Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Denver Broncos Hailed the 'Best' in One Key Position Group 1
The Denver Broncos have been recognized as the NFL’s best offensive line entering the 2026 season, giving the team a significant advantage heading into a highly anticipated campaign. The unit’s depth, consistency and physicality have positioned it as a potential foundation for Denver’s success on offense.
The recognition reflects the overall strength of a group that has developed into one of the league’s most reliable fronts. Strong play across multiple positions gives Denver the ability to protect its quarterback while also creating opportunities for the running game to establish a consistent rhythm.
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Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton takes the field prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Pass protection will remain particularly important as the Broncos look to maximize their offensive potential. A dependable line can give the quarterback additional time to work through progressions, find receivers downfield and operate with greater confidence against aggressive defensive fronts.
The group also has the responsibility of creating running lanes and maintaining control at the line of scrimmage. Effective blocking on early downs can keep the offense ahead of the chains, create manageable third downs and prevent opposing defenses from dictating the pace of games.
NFL Analysis Names Denver Broncos’ Offensive Line as the Best in the League
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Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Denver’s offensive line was recently named as the best in the league for next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Mike Clay for ESPN.
This was an easy call after the Broncos led the NFL in both pass block and run block win rate in 2024 prior to finishing top-eight in both categories last season. Incredibly, Denver will have the same starting five for the third straight season: LT Garett Bolles, LG Ben Powers, C Luke Wattenberg, RG Quinn Meinerz and RT Mike McGlinchey. All five players posted pass block win rates well above league average in the past two seasons; four of the five posted good-to-great run block win rates.
Denver’s offensive line could become even more valuable over the course of the season because of the physical demands placed on every position. Injuries and defensive adjustments can quickly test depth, making the presence of multiple capable blockers an important asset for a team with postseason aspirations.
The Broncos still have to translate their individual talent into consistent performance once the regular season begins. If the offensive line maintains its expected level of play, however, it could provide Denver with one of the NFL’s clearest advantages and help the offense remain productive throughout the 2026 campaign.