The Case for the Broncos Reaching the Super Bowl in 2026
Newsweek · C · trust 47/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Denver Broncos don't need to be the obvious favorite in the AFC to have a real shot at the Super Bowl. In fact, the conference looks so crowded heading into 2026 that picking one clear frontrunner is getting harder by the minute.
That's where Denver comes in. They were close last season. Really close. A few different things breaking their way, mainly Box Nix staying healthy, and they might've been playing for a championship instead of watching the Super Bowl from home. That's a painful kind of close, but it's also the sort of experience that can make a young team dangerous the following year.
Now Sean Payton and Nix are entering their third season together, and Nix gets to do it healthy.
Nix has already shown enough for Denver to hand him the keys and expect him to take another step. Having another year in Payton's offense should only make the quarterback more comfortable and better, too.
The Broncos also have something every contender needs: a defense capable of carrying its share of the load. They don't have to turn every game into a track meet, which becomes especially valuable when the postseason arrives.
There are bigger names in the AFC. There are teams with more obvious star power. That's fine. But names only get you so far in the NFL .
Denver doesn't need to win the offseason or look unbeatable in September. It needs to stay healthy, get another year of growth from Nix and make sure its defense remains strong when the games matter most. The AFC is open enough for that formula to work.
Of course, if the Broncos learned anything from how last season ended, they know exactly how expensive injuries can be to the roster. This time around, they have more depth, and it might be enough to help them finish the job.
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