The Denver Broncos won the AFC West by a clear margin last year, but that feat might be tougher to replicate in 2026. The reason? The other contenders to the title have been stepping it up this season. Out of seven total picks, the 2026 NFL draft saw the Kansas City Chiefs use four to add defensive players to their roster.

The Chiefs have drafted Mansoor Delane (CB), Peter Woods (DT), R Mason Thomas (EDGE), and Jadon Canady (CB) with one objective in mind: to make the backline more secure. While Delane is a promising cornerback, Woods is versatile when it comes to defensive tackles.

Canady and Thomas have the skills to start the game. Canady, especially, is expected to be a menace in the slots, while Thomas comes in with his pass-rush package and can serve as a rotational rusher.

The Chiefs struggled against the Broncos last season as their offense spluttered, managing only 139 yards in their December 25th matchup. Bo Nix proved to be the difference maker ( 29/41, 266 yards, 1 TD; 70 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD), becoming the game MVP in the process.

The result was the Broncos ultimately winning the AFC West at 14-3 to seal the deal. But now the script has totally flipped in the Chiefs' favor, more so with Bo Nix's apparent ankle injury concerns.

Broncos QB's Ankle Still Healing From Injury

If the Kansas City Chiefs are looking solid on paper with these new recruits, the Broncos are now reeling with one of their star player's injury.

The ankle injury that Bo Nix suffered during the divisional play-off game against the Buffalo Bills needed further attention. Consequently, he underwent a successful pre-planned cleanup procedure on his injured right ankle.

He had already had surgery on his injured leg back in January. So, as you can imagine they Broncos will take it slow with him, even though there is enough time for the NFL season to begin.

The reports from the Broncos camp reveal that they will ease him into the rehabilitation process.  The Broncos plan to take it “very easy” with the quarterback, according to the NFL Network.

Overall, Denver coach Sean Payton is optimistic about his star player's progress.

"He had a recheck that was scheduled. He’s doing great. We’re excited about his progress. These guys will be coming in here. … He’s here," said Payton.

So, among the two teams that are on opposing ends of the spectrum this offseason, it might seem that Kansas has the edge. Add to that Patrick Mahomes coming back on the field for Week 1, and then things look even more lopsided for the Broncos.

For Denver's sake, every fan should hope that starting quarterback Bo Nix gets back to full health before the season starts.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit