May 30, 2026, 12:30 PM CUT

CBS Sports Calls Out NFL World for Sleeping on Denver Broncos

Aug 27, 2020; Englewood, Colorado, USA; A general view of the Denver Broncos logo outside of UCHealth Training Center where practice was cancelled after a morning team meeting. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are once again finding themselves overlooked in conversations about the AFC's top contenders. That comes despite a 14-win season in 2025, an AFC West title, and reaching the AFC Championship Game.

Yet, when analysts discuss potential conference winners for 2026, Denver is often left out of the conversation. That is what caught the attention of CBS Sports' writer Jordan Dajani, who gave her take on this.

"Part of me feels like the NFL world is consistently down on the Broncos", wrote Jordan Dajani on CBS Sports on 28 May. "They objectively have a top-five defense, then Bo Nix is the first quarterback to win double-digit games and record 30 total touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons. Literally never been done before."

Rather than viewing the comeback wins of the Broncos as a warning sign, Dajani suggested they could also highlight the team's resilience and ability to find ways to win

"Some would argue that the Broncos are bound for regression, since they registered an NFL-record 12 comeback wins in 2025", wrote Dajani. "But my argument is that they wouldn't need to come back against lesser opponents if they just played consistently on offense.”

NFL, American Football Herren, USA Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders Nov 30, 2025 Landover, Maryland, USA Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton 14 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders with wide receiver Troy Franklin 11 and running back Tyler Badie 28 in the second quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Landover Northwest Stadium Maryland USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPeterxCaseyx 20251130_hlf_bc1_037

The Broncos enter the 2026 season with continuity across much of the roster. There is additional talent on offense, a new play-calling setup under Davis Webb, and experience from a deep postseason run.

Predominantly Orange Writer Jack Ramsey also noted that the team continues to face scepticism despite last season's success.

"Needless to say, the Broncos have been getting disrespected this spring after being regularly disrespected all of 2025."

Ramsey also added that many observers still seem hesitant to fully embrace what Denver accomplished last year.

With Bo Nix returning, a strong defense already in place, and expectations continuing to rise inside the team, Denver appears set to enter with plenty of motivation.

Bo Nix's OTA Participation Remains Key Watch for Broncos

Nix had been recovering from an ankle clean-up or procedure this offseason. While the quarterback is expected to be fully ready for training camp, it remains unclear whether he will take part in any on-field work during the early stage of OTAs.

According to Mile High Sports, head coach Sean Payton addressed the situation during the rookie minicamp and indicated that the team plans to be patient with Nix's recovery.

“You’ll see him. I’m sure you’ll see him in probably mini camp, maybe, but he’ll be full speed throwing everything in July before we even get back here. He’s doing good,” Payton said on 9 May.

The third-year quarterback recently returned to Denver with fellow quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger after an offseason trip. As the Broncos get back to work, all eyes will be on Nix and how quickly he progresses through the final stages of his recovery.

What are your thoughts on the Broncos' chances to get to the playoffs this season?

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi