2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Denver Broncos
Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.
For every team, we’ll cover:
- Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
- Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
- Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.
From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.
Denver Broncos
Coaching Staff: Continuity with Key Additions
The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 season with continued stability at the top of their coaching staff, reinforcing Head Coach Sean Payton’s vision after a successful 2024 campaign. While the core leadership remains, Payton has strategically made several additions and promotions to further refine his staff and build on the team’s momentum.
Sean Payton remains the Head Coach, entering his third season leading the Broncos. After guiding Denver to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance in 2024, Payton’s offensive acumen and leadership continue to be the driving force behind the team’s identity, especially with his ongoing development of quarterback Bo Nix.
Joe Lombardi continues as Offensive Coordinator, working closely with Payton to implement and evolve the offence. On the defensive side, Vance Joseph remains the Defensive Coordinator, maintaining his aggressive scheme that helped Pat Surtain II earn Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.
The most significant new face is Darren Rizzi, who joins as Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, bringing experience and a track record of strong special teams play.
These adjustments reflect a targeted effort to optimize specific units and inject new ideas while maintaining the core structure that led to their 2024 success.
2025 Offseason Recap: Weapons for Nix, Defensive Reinforcements
The Denver Broncos’ 2025 offseason focused on providing additional weapons and depth for quarterback Bo Nix, strengthening an already formidable defence, and addressing key areas through a mix of re-signings and external acquisitions.
Key Extensions:
- D.J. Jones (DT): Re-signed to a three-year extension, maintaining a strong presence on the defensive interior.
- Jarrett Stidham (QB): Re-signed to a two-year, $12 million deal, securing a reliable and familiar backup for Bo Nix.
- Mike Peart (OT): Signed a two-year extension, providing continuity and depth on the offensive line.
- Mitchell Fraboni (LS): Re-signed to a three-year extension, ensuring stability at the long snapper position.
- Other extensions included linebacker Justin Strnad, fullback Michael Burton, cornerback Jalen McMillian, defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, safety Drew Key, tight end Lucas Krull, and linebacker Dondrea Tillman.
Key Free-Agent Signings & Trades:
- Evan Engram (TE): Signed a two-year, $23 million deal after being released by the Jaguars. Engram provides a significant upgrade at tight end, offering a proven pass-catching threat for Bo Nix.
- Dre Greenlaw (LB): Signed a three-year, $35 million deal from the San Francisco 49ers. Greenlaw brings elite athleticism and run-stopping ability to the linebacker corps.
- Talanoa Hufanga (S): Signed a three-year, $45 million deal, also from the 49ers. Hufanga adds a physical, ball-hawking presence to an already strong secondary.
- Trent Sherfield (WR): Signed a two-year, $6 million deal from the Minnesota Vikings, adding veteran depth and special teams value to the receiver room.
- J.K. Dobbins (RB): Signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal after being released by the Chargers. Dobbins provides an explosive, veteran option in a revamped running back room.
- Other notable signings include quarterback Sam Ehlinger, safety Sam Franklin Jr., punter Matt Haack, cornerback Mario Goodrich, and tight end Caden Prieskorn.
Notable Departures:
- Javonte Williams (RB): Signed with the Dallas Cowboys, marking a significant change in the Broncos’ backfield.
- Zach Wilson (QB): Signed with the Miami Dolphins.
- Cody Barton (LB): Signed with the Tennessee Titans.
- Riley Dixon (P): Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Zach Cunningham (LB): Signed with the Detroit Lions.
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR): Signed with the New York Giants.
- Quinn Bailey (OT): Remained an unrestricted free agent.
2025 NFL Draft Class: Adding Playmakers and Defence
The Denver Broncos’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy focused on adding explosive playmakers around second-year quarterback Bo Nix and continuing to fortify their defensive backfield and pass rush, all while engaging in significant draft day trades.
- Round 1, Pick 20: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Addressing the already stellar defensive secondary, Barron is a versatile and physical cornerback who provides an immediate boost and long-term potential.
- Round 2, Pick 60: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF A highly productive and explosive running back, Harvey is expected to compete for significant carries immediately in a revamped backfield.
- Round 3, Pick 74: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois A big-bodied wide receiver who fits Sean Payton’s preference for physical pass-catchers, providing another target for Bo Nix.
- Round 3, Pick 101: Sai’vion Jones, DL, LSU An athletic and disruptive defensive lineman who can contribute to the pass rush and run defence.
- Round 4, Pick 134: Que Robinson, OLB, Alabama An outside linebacker with pass-rushing upside, adding depth to the Broncos’ already strong edge rusher group.
- Round 6, Pick 216: Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida A highly-rated punter, indicating the Broncos’ commitment to special teams excellence.
- Round 7, Pick 241: Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah A raw but athletic tight end prospect, offering developmental potential as a pass-catcher.
Key Draft Storyline: Payton’s Strategic Trades and Offensive Weapons
The 2025 NFL Draft for the Denver Broncos was defined less by a singular top-10 pick and more by General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton’s strategic maneuvering, executing five trades throughout the draft to accumulate picks and target specific talent. This “trade-back” philosophy, somewhat uncharacteristic for Payton, allowed the Broncos to address multiple needs and maximize their draft capital.
Holding the 20th overall pick, the Broncos surprised some by selecting Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas. While the pick adds to an already strong secondary that saw Pat Surtain II win Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, it underscores Payton and Paton’s commitment to building a dominant defence first.
However, the major focus shifted to offence in the middle rounds, aiming to bolster the supporting cast around Bo Nix, who enjoyed an impressive rookie season in 2024, leading all rookies in touchdown passes and passing yards while guiding Denver to its first 10-win season since 2015.
The selection of RJ Harvey in the second round was particularly impactful. With Javonte Williams departing for Dallas, Harvey steps into a backfield that desperately needed a new lead back. Scouts praised Harvey’s explosion and fit for Payton’s system, with many projecting him as the immediate RB1. An AFC executive noted, “Payton clearly saw something in Harvey he had to have. He’s the type of dynamic back that can really elevate their run game.”
Adding to Nix’s aerial arsenal, Pat Bryant, a big-bodied wide receiver from Illinois, was drafted in the third round. Bryant’s physicality and ability to win contested catches align with the “X-receiver” type that Payton has utilized successfully in the past (e.g., Marques Colston, Michael Thomas). His blocking ability also makes him a natural fit for Payton’s scheme. The Broncos’ front office acknowledged concerns about the lack of consistent run game holding back their offence in 2024, and the draft picks at running back and receiver clearly address that.
By navigating the draft with strategic trades, Payton and Paton not only added to their defensive strength but also aggressively built around their second-year quarterback, providing him with a dynamic running back and a complementary receiver. This approach signals strong belief in Nix’s development and a clear intent to elevate the Broncos’ offensive production in 2025.
Offseason Summary: Building on Success, Elevating Nix
The Denver Broncos’ 2025 offseason has been a calculated effort to build upon the momentum of their 2024 playoff season, characterized by strategic additions to support second-year quarterback Bo Nix and reinforce an already stout defence. Under Head Coach Sean Payton, the team maintained continuity in its core coaching staff while making targeted upgrades to key position groups.
The biggest story remains the continued development of Bo Nix, who defied expectations with a standout rookie year. The offseason saw the Broncos surround Nix with more weapons, most notably acquiring veteran tight end Evan Engram and drafting explosive running back RJ Harvey and big-bodied receiver Pat Bryant. These additions are designed to maximize Nix’s efficiency and allow Payton to fully unleash his offensive vision, which struggled at times with rushing consistency in 2024. The offensive line, which graded highly in 2024, returns all five starters, providing a crucial foundation for both the run and pass game.
Defensively, the Broncos continued to invest in their strength. Despite some departures, the unit’s core remains intact, highlighted by the extension of D.J. Jones and significant free-agent signings of linebackers Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga. With Pat Surtain II leading the secondary and Vance Joseph’s aggressive scheme, the Broncos’ defence is poised to remain a top-tier unit, capable of keeping them in every game.
Overall, the Broncos’ offseason reflects a confident “win-now” mentality, leveraging their 2024 success to make targeted improvements. The combination of stability at head coach and quarterback, bolstered by new offensive weapons and continued defensive prowess, sets the stage for Denver to aim for an even deeper playoff run in 2025.
2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction
The Denver Broncos’ 2025 schedule presents a challenging but balanced slate, featuring tough divisional matchups, an international game, and several key contests against NFC contenders.
- Weeks 1–4: Home Start, Early Divisional Test
- Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans
- Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts
- Week 3: at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (MNF)
Outlook: A favorable home opener against the Titans, followed by two road games, including an early divisional clash. The Bengals primetime game will be a good test.
Prediction: 2-2
- Weeks 5–9: East Coast Challenges & London Trip
- Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 6: at New York Jets (London)
- Week 7: vs. New York Giants
- Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 9: at Houston Texans
Outlook: A demanding stretch featuring two East Coast road games, an international trip, and home games against NFC East powerhouses. The Texans game is a key AFC South matchup.
Prediction: 3-2 (Overall: 5–4)
- Weeks 10–13: AFC West Showdowns & Bye Week
- Week 10: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (TNF)
- Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: at Washington Commanders (SNF)
Outlook: Two critical home divisional games, including a primetime Thursday night battle, sandwiching the much-needed bye week.
Prediction: 2-1 (Overall: 7-5)
- Weeks 14–18: Playoff Push
- Week 14: at Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers
- Week 16: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs (TNF)
- Week 18: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Outlook: A challenging close to the season with another road divisional game, tough matchups against the Packers and Jaguars, and a Christmas Day road battle against the Chiefs. The Chargers rematch could be pivotal for playoff seeding.
Prediction: 3-2
Final Record Prediction: 10-7
The Denver Broncos enter 2025 with significant optimism after their 2024 playoff berth. While Sean Payton has brought stability and a clear direction, the competitive AFC West and a tough overall schedule will provide challenges. The offence’s continued development under Bo Nix, coupled with a strong defence, should keep them competitive. However, consistency and health will be key to navigating their schedule and securing another playoff spot. A 10-7 record seems a realistic outcome, potentially putting them on the bubble for a wild card berth.
Final Take: Sean Payton’s Vision Taking Shape
The 2025 Denver Broncos represent a team firmly entrenched in Sean Payton’s vision, now entering his third season with a clear direction and a roster increasingly molded to his preferences. The 2024 season, which saw the Broncos return to the playoffs, laid a strong foundation, and the offseason moves were designed to build upon that success.
The continuity at head coach and the impressive growth of Bo Nix in his rookie year are central to Denver’s optimism. The strategic additions of weapons like tight end Evan Engram and running back RJ Harvey, alongside the development of young receivers, aim to unleash an even more potent and consistent offensive attack. Crucially, the return of the entire starting offensive line provides a bedrock of stability that few teams possess.
Defensively, the Broncos remain a formidable force. Led by perennial All-Pro Pat Surtain II and bolstered by key free-agent signings like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, Vance Joseph’s unit is poised to be one of the league’s stingiest. This balanced approach—a developing, efficient offence paired with an elite defence—is the hallmark of playoff contenders.
While the AFC West remains fiercely competitive, particularly with the Kansas City Chiefs at the top, the Broncos have shown a clear path to contention. This is a crucial year for Denver to solidify their status as a legitimate threat, and all the pieces appear to be in place for Sean Payton’s vision to truly take hold and propel the Broncos forward.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.