National media outlet expresses major doubt in the Denver Broncos in 2025
The Denver Broncos took a step forward in Sean Payton's second season as the franchise's head coach, going 10-7 and reaching the playoffs in 2024 after going 8-9 the previous year. Denver, which had a tough draw in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, lost 31-7 to the Buffalo Bills in the first round. […]
The Denver Broncos took a step forward in Sean Payton's second season as the franchise's head coach, going 10-7 and reaching the playoffs in 2024 after going 8-9 the previous year.
Denver, which had a tough draw in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, lost 31-7 to the Buffalo Bills in the first round.
Despite the early exit from the playoffs, the Broncos look like they're poised to be a factor in the AFC moving forward.
CBS Sports, though, doesn't seem to agree.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports detailed the five NFL teams that they think will take a step back in 2025. They included the Broncos as one of the five teams that they think will move in the wrong direction next season.
From CBS Sports: The Broncos deserve all the credit in the world for winning 10 games and making the playoffs with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. The last-season slide never happened as Denver held off a late Cincinnati charge to make the playoffs, snapping a eight-season playoff drought. Nix protected the football throughout the year while showing the big-play capability with his arm, especially late in the year.
So why would Denver take a dive in 2025, even if it's a small one? Replicating the No. 1 pass rush from last season will be very difficult, especially from a team that finished with 63 sacks and five players who had 5+ sacks last season. The Broncos need more production from their running backs and better blocking up front to take the pressure off Nix too.
The Broncos don't have a brutal slate (.505 strength of schedule), but will face the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders on the road. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are also in their division.
Winning 10 games is possible for Denver, but it will be tough for the Broncos to match that win total and go back to the playoffs.
This is basically a situation where the Broncos haven't built enough equity under Sean Payton to earn trust from the national media.
Many of the same questions facing the Broncos could be asked about the Kansas City Chiefs, for example (winning games by close margins isn't typically sustainable…but no one seems to be questioning Kansas City because of that).
There's no doubt that Denver needs to add some offensive playmakers to give quarterback Bo Nix some help. And they'll certainly have to continue to play defense at a high level. But Payton has a history of being a winner. I wouldn't bet on the Broncos taking a step back under Payton's watch in 2025. If anything, I think we'll see Denver take a big step forward and give the Chiefs a run for their money in the AFC West.
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