The Denver Broncos are entering the 2026 season with expectations that look very different from a year ago. After winning the AFC West and making a deep playoff run, the conversation around Denver continues to grow as training camp approaches.

As quarterback Bo Nix continues working his way back and much of last year's roster returns, NFL Media analyst Dan Parr still sees Denver among the teams capable of making a serious push in 2026.

"If Bo Nix is a lesser version of himself in his return from ankle surgery, the outlook changes a lot," Parr wrote on NFL.com on May 27. "At the same time, I also can’t rule out that he reaches new heights in Year 3, with arguably the league’s best offensive line, quality depth at running back, and an upgraded receiving corps via the Waddle deal."

Jaylen Waddle's 910 yards on 64 catches indicate he remained an efficient big-play threat, averaging over 14 yards per reception in Miami. The Broncos acquired him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

J.K. Dobbins remains Denver's starting running back, while they selected Washington's dual-threat, Jonah Coleman, who left his mark both as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield.

Parr also highlighted Denver's defense, which was among the best in the league throughout the 2025 season.

"The defense looks no worse than good on paper, even without JFM, and it’s possible DC Vance Joseph coaches the group to elite status once again after ranking first in yards allowed and third in scoring in 2025." Parr wrote on NFL.com on May 27.

They ranked No.2 in total defense, averaging 278.2, as reported by FOX Sports.

Despite last season's success, the Broncos have not generated the same level of offseason buzz as some other AFC contenders. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Parr. who believes Sean Payton's track record deserves more recognition.

The opening stretch of the schedule should offer an early test. But from Parr's perspective, Denver remains firmly in the group of teams expected to compete near the top of the AFC once again.

Denver Broncos' Toughest Challenge May Arrive Right at the Start

The Broncos are set to be tested early in 2026, beginning the season with a brutal six-game stretch and facing postseason opponents in eight of their first nine games.

The run begins with a Monday Night Football trip to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Denver then returns home to host the Jacksonville Jaguars before taking on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.

The challenge continues with a road game against the San Francisco 49ers, followed by another trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Denver closes the stretch at home against the Seattle Seahawks on a short week.

But analyst Chad Jensen keeps faith in the franchise.

"The Broncos earned this first-place schedule," wrote Jensen. "Another way of looking at it is, the Broncos qualified for this tough schedule. And while the NFL didn't make it any easier on Denver, the Broncos aren't losing sleep over it."

With a lighter schedule on paper later in the year, the Broncos' start may play a key role in shaping their position in the AFC race.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar