The Denver Broncos have released their unofficial Week 1 depth chart ahead of their Monday Night showdown vs. their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. It is an “unofficial depth chart”; Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t giving away everything, but we still can learn a few things about the Broncos roster from this depth chart reveal.
The biggest overall surprise, in my opinion, was Marvin Mims Jr. being listed as a starting wide receiver over Pat Bryant. Again, this might not mean much in the grand scheme, but it does show they value Mims as a receiver and that he will be a factor in the passing game. Pat Bryant is the backup behind Courtland Sutton and is expected to be heavily involved in the Broncos’ offense this season. The other noteworthy tidbit we learned was that Jonah Elliss will be getting the start opposite of Nik Bonitto. This was expected, but the Broncos confirmed as much with this release.
With all that said, here is your complete 2026 Denver Broncos unofficial Week 1 depth chart ahead of their Monday Night game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
Offense
Notes
- QB: As expected, Jarrett Stidham is listed as QB2, with Sam Ehlinger listed as QB3.
- RB: The running back room looks as expected; we just have to see how they spread out the carries/touches between their backs.
- WR: I already touched on Mims being listed as a starter, but I fully expect Bryant to be heavily involved in the offense.
- TE: Evan Engram listed as the starter is interesting, but we’ll have to see how involved he is in the Broncos’ passing offense.
- OL: Looks as expected, to be honest. Rookie Kage Casey is listed as the backup for both guard spots; Forsyth is the backup C, Peart is the backup LT, and Palcho is the backup RT.
Defense
Notes
- DL: Looks as expected, but some interesting notes with the backups. Jordan Jackson is listed ahead of rookie Tyler Onyedim, so the rookie could be looking at an early-season inactive while Sai’vion Jones is the backup nose tackle. We’ll see if Jones ends up playing nose, but that is how they have it listed.
- EDGE: No real surprises here. Jonah is listed as the starter, but Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman will rotate in throughout the game.
- LB: Again, no real surprises here.
- CB: The only real note is Jahdae Barron being listed as Pat Surtain II’s backup and as the backup slot corner
- S: Is JL Skinner the Broncos’ third safety? Based on this depth chart, it seems like it.
Special Teams
Notes
- Lutz and Crawshaw are your kicking specialists; Lutz kicks off, and Crawshaw is the holder
- Marvin Mims is your lead returner in both the kick and punt return games. Tyler Badie and RJ Harvey are listed as your backup kick returners, while corner Riley Moss is your backup punt returner.
- No long snapper is listed due to Mitchell Fraboni being on the Broncos’ practice squad. He will be elevated to the game-day roster.
