ESPN believes Broncos are in rare company that makes them dark horse Super Bowl contenders in 2025
The Denver Broncos made a major breakthrough in their recent history in 2024, ending a postseason appearance drought that extended back to Peyton Manning's last ride in Super Bowl 50. Sean Payton's team managed to turn the corner thanks to what has become a ferocious defense and an offensive line that helped to create a […]
The Denver Broncos made a major breakthrough in their recent history in 2024, ending a postseason appearance drought that extended back to Peyton Manning's last ride in Super Bowl 50. Sean Payton's team managed to turn the corner thanks to what has become a ferocious defense and an offensive line that helped to create a friendly playing environment for the Denver's young franchise quarterback, Bo Nix.
As it turns out, great trench play and an elite defense can go a long way in fielding a competitive unit that will find itself playing late in the year when the calendar turns to January. And, for some, it can serve as the entire foundation of a Super Bowl dark horse contender.
ESPN's Benjamin Solak tabbed the Broncos as one of two franchises entering 2025 with young quarterbacks but the potential to field the best offensive line and best defense on the season — enough to consider them dark horse championship contenders despite the variance that may come at quarterback.
"There are two teams that could reasonably project as having the best offensive line and the best defense for the 2025 season: Minnesota and Denver. As such, Minnesota and Denver register as "Super Bowl dark horses" on my "What sort of contender are you?" scale before I even know anything about their respective young quarterbacks." – Benjamin Solak, ESPN
Denver did not boast the best statistical defense in football last season, but they were darn close. And, to the Broncos' credit, they were home to the league's best defensive player in cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Sprinkle in additions such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga from San Francisco and a first-round pick in Jahdae Barron? The Broncos are absolutely right for having aspirations to be an elite defense once again.
In the trenches, the Broncos are enjoying a golden era of stability under Payton. They also have one of the league's best interior linemen in Quinn Meinerz — who is entering the first year of a four-year extension signed last offseason worth up to $72 million.
Denver's ultimate outlook as a Super Bowl contender will come down to a few other variables in 2025, including what kind of leap Nix makes and how well the Broncos can navigate those pesky Chiefs in the AFC West. But, health willing, the foundation of a contender is present thanks in large part to both units Solak rightfully spotlights as a contender for "best in class" this upcoming season.