- Head Coach: Sean Payton (third season)
- PFF projected win total: 8.8
- 2024 Record: 10-7 (third in the AFC West, lost in the AFC wild-card round)
Biggest strength: Offensive Line
The Broncos return all five starters from an offensive line that led the NFL in pass-blocking grade last season. The group allowed a league-best 16.2% pressure rate and a 3.7% knockdown rate, which ranked fourth. They were strong in the run game as well, finishing 11th in run-blocking grade. The unit’s standout is right guard Quinn Meinerz, whose 87.3 PFF grade ranked second among qualified guards in 2024.
Biggest weakness: Receiving Depth
The Broncos need a pass-catching option beyond Courtland Sutton after ranking 28th in receiving grade last season — the lowest mark of any team that won more than seven games in 2024. One potential boost could come from new tight end Evan Engram, as Denver’s tight ends posted a league-worst 48.0 receiving grade last year.
Quarterback spotlight: Bo Nix
- 2024 PFF Grade: 76.4
- Key Stat: 1.4% turnover-worthy play rate from Week 4 onward, the best in the league over that span
Bo Nix carried his trademark efficiency and ball security into the NFL under head coach Sean Payton. While not quite matching the pinpoint accuracy of his final season at Oregon, he posted a 1.8% turnover-worthy play rate, tied for fifth-best in the league. His deep passing exceeded expectations as well, with a 93.1 grade on throws of 20-plus yards, eighth-best among qualified quarterbacks.
Offensive player: OG Quinn Meinerz
Quinn Meinerz has developed into a dominant presence on Denver’s offensive line. He finished last season with the second-highest PFF grade among qualified guards and was the only player in that group to earn 80.0-plus marks in both run blocking and pass protection. Still just 26 and entering his prime, Meinerz should continue to anchor the Broncos’ offensive line for years to come.
Defensive player: CB Patrick Surtain II
Fresh off a Defensive Player of the Year award, Patrick Surtain II leads a Denver secondary that could be the NFL’s best in 2025. He rebounded from a challenging 2023 to pace all qualified cornerbacks in coverage grade and PFF Wins Above Replacement, ranking as the most valuable non-quarterback in the league by PFF WAR. While cornerback performance can fluctuate year to year, Surtain is a strong bet to deliver another elite season.
Rookie to watch: CB Jahdae Barron
Speaking of Denver’s exciting secondary, first-round pick Jahdae Barron should be a natural fit. In his final season at Texas, Barron led all Power Four cornerbacks in coverage grade (91.1) and topped the FBS in zone coverage grade (91.5). His extensive experience both in the slot and on the outside could allow him to play a Trent McDuffie–style role in Vance Joseph’s defense.
Fantasy spotlight: WR Marvin Mims Jr.
Marvin Mims Jr. enters 2025 as a late-round fantasy flier with intriguing upside. After a quiet start to his career, he flashed late last season, ranking 23rd in PPR points per game (15.5) over a seven-game stretch. In that span, he posted an elite 89.7 receiving grade, was targeted on 30.4% of his routes and averaged 4.25 yards per route run. Once primarily a deep threat, his average depth of target dropped to 4.2 yards, reflecting a more versatile role. His playing time expanded in the playoffs, as he took the field for 69% of the possible snaps. While Denver’s receiver room is now more crowded, Mims’ unique size-speed profile could earn him a key role. His fantasy value will hinge on his early-season snap share — if he’s on the field consistently, he could be a viable starter; if not, he’s a quick drop candidate.
Best bet: RB RJ Harvey — over 700.5 rushing yards (-110)
The signing of J.K. Dobbins will cut into the workload of the Broncos’ second-round pick, but Harvey is far too elusive to be relegated in this backfield. Last season, Harvey charted above the 85th percentile in missed tackles forced per attempt (86th) and breakaway rate (97th), proving he’s a threat to take any carry to the house.
Bottom line
Denver boasts a potentially elite defense, a quarterback who protects the football and a future Hall of Fame head coach. Already ahead of schedule after making the postseason last year, the Broncos should expect to return in 2025. The ceiling of this team will depend on the impact of its offensive skill players.
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