Does Jaylen Waddle really push the Denver Broncos into Super Bowl contention?

It’s a no-brainer. 100% yes, he does.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Yahoo Sports’ Hayden Winks were talking on Mina’s podcast last week about the impact of adding Waddle to the Broncos offense and what it can do to propel Denver to a Super Bowl title this season. And look, they’re right to have that conversation, because this team is ready.

Denver’s trajectory under Bo Nix

In the Bo Nix era, which so far consists of two seasons, Denver has taken real steps forward. His rookie year, the Broncos lost to the Bills in the wild card on the road. Then last season, Nix got hurt, and they lost a close one to the Patriots at home in some tough conditions. They probably could have won that game if Nix was healthy. But regardless, they’ve been heading in the right direction both years, and the next step up from that would be making the Super Bowl this year and possibly winning it.

We’ve also seen Nix himself steadily improve from his rookie year to year two, and I would expect that trend to continue in year three within the Sean Payton system. I know they’ve got the offensive coordinator change with Davis Webb, so there might be some new wrinkles. But more comfort in the system and a better receiving corps that now includes Waddle is going to open things up for this offense in a big way.

What Waddle brings to this offense

Jaylen Waddle is going to add an element to the Broncos offense that they don’t really have right now in terms of a dynamic playmaker with speed and explosiveness in the route-running game. He can change a game in an instant with his speed and athleticism. That’s not a debate.

Hayden Winks also referenced something important. Nix led the league in screen attempts last year in Payton’s offense. Adding Waddle to the mix and getting him the football in the screen game is a huge advantage because of what he can do after the catch with the ball in his hands.

His first three years in the league, Waddle eclipsed 1,000 yards. Last year he had over 900. He’s been durable, too. The fewest games he’s played in a season was 14 in 2023. He could be the missing piece to this offense, which could be the missing piece for this whole team.

The bigger picture for Denver

I think we all expect the Broncos defense to be very strong this year, as well. And when you look at the schedule, it looks very favorable for Denver in the middle of the season going into the back half compared to the front. There’s a lot of opportunity for them to really get things cranking in November and December, which is exactly when you want to be playing your best football.

With all of that being said, I agree with Winks. I don’t think we should shy away from it. The Denver Broncos, in my opinion, should be the AFC favorites to represent that conference in the Super Bowl. I think they will if everyone stays healthy and everything goes according to plan, which sure you could say about every team. In my heart of hearts, I truly believe we will see Denver suiting up in Los Angeles in Feb. 2027, with the chance to hoist a Lombardi Trophy.