STWF | DENVER| Nov. 6, 2025 — The Mile High City hasn’t felt this kind of football optimism in years. Behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran head coach Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos are back in the playoff hunt — and perhaps, back among the NFL’s elite.
With a 7–2 record entering Week 10, Denver has already surpassed expectations in Payton’s second season at the helm. The Broncos’ resurgence is a product of balance — a top-five defense, a smartly designed offense, and a rookie quarterback playing with the poise of a 10-year veteran. As they prepare to host the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (2–6) this weekend, the message inside the locker room is clear: Denver’s turnaround is no fluke.
Bo Nix: Calm, Confident, and Ahead of Schedule
When the Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in 2024, the move drew skepticism. Many analysts labeled the former Oregon standout a “system quarterback.” But halfway through his first NFL season, Nix is proving that experience and maturity matter just as much as raw arm strength.
Through nine games, Nix has thrown for over 2,300 yards with 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions, completing an impressive 69% of his passes. His efficiency and decision-making have drawn inevitable comparisons to Drew Brees, the Hall of Fame quarterback Payton coached to a Super Bowl in New Orleans.
It’s a comparison that Payton himself encouraged. According to reports, it was Payton’s personal call on draft night that convinced Nix that Denver was the right fit — and the pairing has already become one of the NFL’s most promising coach-quarterback combinations.
“Bo’s football IQ, his timing, and his preparation are special,” Payton said earlier this week. “He sees the game a lot like Drew did — from the neck up. He’s calm in chaos and makes the right play more often than not. That’s rare for a rookie.”
A Formula That Works
The Broncos’ offense under Payton isn’t flashy — it’s efficient, adaptable, and built around Nix’s strengths. Denver’s quick-pass scheme has minimized sacks and allowed the rookie to control tempo, while running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin have provided balance on the ground.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton has rediscovered his Pro Bowl form, already hauling in seven touchdown catches, while Marvin Mims Jr. has emerged as a versatile playmaker in space.
But the unsung hero might be Denver’s defense, led by coordinator Vance Joseph, which ranks fourth in the NFL in scoring defense. Anchored by Patrick Surtain II, Baron Browning, and Zach Allen, the Broncos have stifled high-powered offenses like Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston — all of whom have struggled to move the ball against Denver’s aggressive front.
“We take pride in complementing each other,” said Surtain. “Bo takes care of the ball, Sean calls smart games, and we handle our business on defense. That’s how you win in November.”
From Russell Wilson’s Exit to Renewed Hope
Denver’s revival under Payton didn’t come easy. Just two years ago, the Broncos were mired in dysfunction — weighed down by Russell Wilson’s $242 million contract, poor offensive play, and locker-room friction. Payton’s arrival in 2024 was supposed to restore order, but few predicted success would come this quickly.
Since the start of the 2024 season, Payton has gone 17–9, reshaping the culture and identity of a franchise that hadn’t reached the playoffs since its Super Bowl 50 victory in 2016.
“Coach Payton built this from the ground up,” said Sutton. “He demanded accountability. Now everyone’s bought in.”
Looking Ahead
The road to the postseason won’t be easy — with upcoming matchups against the Chiefs, Ravens, and Chargers, the Broncos still need to prove they can sustain success against elite competition. But with Nix at the controls and Payton guiding the system, the foundation feels sturdy.
“We’re not chasing perfection,” Nix said after practice Wednesday. “We’re chasing progress — one week at a time.”
If the rookie continues to grow and the defense keeps dominating, Denver’s playoff return could be just the beginning of something much bigger.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Broncos have a quarterback they believe in, a coach who commands the room, and a city that believes again.
