Good morning, Broncos Country!
After a decade of struggles, the Denver Broncos are back.
The 2025-26 season was filled with unforgettable moments, and a team that was never out of it. One of the biggest takeaways is the foundation is there, as is a confidence that this team belongs. Yet, there is this nagging sensation of what could have been.
The highest high of the season lasted less than an hour.
The Broncos had just beaten Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, a cathartic win that sent Denver to the AFC title
game and reignited memories of what playoff football feels like. Mile High and all of Broncos Country was still buzzing when the tone shifted in a flash.
Bo Nix had broken his ankle.
In a matter of seconds, the Broncos went from celebrating their biggest win in years to confronting a harsh reality. The Super Bowl path was still alive, but it would now be traveled without their starting quarterback.
That emotional whiplash carried into the following week, where a tough loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game brought the season to a crushing end. It was abrupt, painful, and impossible to separate from the injury that changed it all.
That is the space the Broncos now occupy.
What follows is a snapshot of where clarity exists and where questions still linger as the Broncos turn the page toward the offseason.
What we know
1. This team has an identity and it is not fragile
Even in their biggest moment and without Nix, the Broncos did not look overwhelmed by the stage. Yes, there are a few plays and decisions Denver would love to have back, but the Broncos believe, no matter what, they can win every game. That matters, and it doesn’t go away. This group no longer feels like one that shrinks when expectations rise or tension increases.
2. Sean Payton has changed the foundation
The Broncos reached the AFC title game because they were prepared, disciplined, and resilient all season long. That is coaching and leadership showing up consistently and every single day, not just a single game plan. Even in a loss, the structure of the team held together. That says a lot about where this organization is headed.
3. The defense is championship-caliber
Against an experienced quarterback and a playoff-tested offense, the defense kept the Broncos within striking distance. Just like other aspects of the team, there are areas that need improvement – namely consistency and inside linebackers. But that side of the ball is not a question moving forward. It is a strength to build around.
4. This locker room believes in itself
Losing on that stage can fracture a team. This one feels more galvanized than broken. The response after the game suggests a group that understands what it accomplished and how close it actually is. And, it should make the hunger to get back and change the outcome even greater.
What we don’t know
1. How high the offensive ceiling actually is
There were flashes. Drives were clean, balanced, and confident, resulting in points. There was also inconsistency. Whether that is growing pains, opposing defenses, or the natural limit of this unit is still unclear. How the franchise goes about improving the offense remains to be seen, but it’s no doubt an area the Broncos will look to improve upon.
2. Which young players will truly separate themselves
Development is happening, but not everyone breaks through at the same rate. Some players are knocking on the door. Others are still hovering in the role-player tier. Over the offseason, those lines will start to harden. Not to mention the players Denver brings in via NFL free agency given the franchise will be aggressive.
3. How this team responds to winning
The Broncos are legitmate contenders now. After winning the AFC West and playing in the conference championship game, Denver is on the championship radar. With that comes tougher competition and teams wanting to play their best. Will the Broncos rise to the occassion? That’s one of the key questions heading into the offseason and the next season.
The bottom line
There’s a phrase and sensation that will stick with this team: what could have been.
The Broncos proved they could beat the league’s best, standing toe-to-toe with Josh Allen and knocking Buffalo out when it mattered most. They also learned how thin the margin is, how quickly momentum can turn, and how unforgiving January football becomes when just one piece is removed.
That is the emotional swing Denver now carries into the offseason.
There is real progress to build upon and real pain that will not soon be forgotten. The foundation is set. The questions are sharper. The expectations are no longer theoretical.
The next step is turning that brief, unforgettable high into something that lasts longer than an hour.
