Denver Broncos 2024-25 NFL Season Recap

Denver Broncos 2024-25 NFL Season Recap

The Denver Broncos took significant strides toward respectability in year two under Sean Payton, finishing with 10 wins and rewarding NFL bettors with a stellar 12-5 record against the spread (ATS). They excelled at home, going 6-2 both straight up (SU) and against the NFL spread, but also managed a respectable 4-5 SU record on the road (6-3 ATS). Surpassing expectations across the board, Denver smashed a modest 5.5-game win total and secured a playoff berth as +450 underdogs, despite online sportsbooks heavily favoring them to miss the postseason (-650). In Payton’s debut season, the Broncos won eight games, but this year’s two-game improvement came despite facing the ninth-toughest schedule in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Denver squared off against five playoff-bound teams, including the division rival Chiefs and Chargers four times combined. Although the playoff journey ended in the wild-card round, this season showcased substantial progress. With Payton’s system taking root and a competitive core in place, there’s plenty for Broncos fans to be optimistic about heading into next season. The foundation has been laid for Denver to build on its success and further elevate its standing in the AFC.

The Broncos finally appear to have stability at quarterback, thanks to Bo Nix’s impressive rookie season. Nix threw for 3,775 yards with a 29:12 TD/INT ratio across 17 regular-season starts, posting a solid 93.3 passer rating. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 430 yards and four touchdowns — a dimension Denver hasn’t seen since Tim Tebow nearly 15 years ago. Courtland Sutton recorded 1,081 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, the second-best totals of his seven-year career. Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele rounded out a promising pass-catching trio, with the aerial attack surging late in the season despite its No. 20 overall ranking. The arrow is clearly pointing up for this unit moving forward. On defense, the Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks and forced 25 takeaways (No. 8), anchored by standout performances from Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and Zach Allen. Denver’s run defense was elite, ranking third overall. However, the secondary remains a concern, surrendering over 220 passing yards per game (No. 19), despite Pat Surtain II locking down one side of the field. With key improvements in coverage, the Broncos could be poised to become a complete team and a serious contender on the futures odds at the crypto sportsbook next season.

While Denver's defense faltered down the stretch against top-tier competition, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s name has surfaced for various head coaching vacancies across the league. This raises the possibility of the Broncos needing to lock down a new defensive shot caller in the offseason. Additionally, head coach Sean Payton expressed dissatisfaction with the defensive performance in the wild-card loss to the Bills, which could prompt a change regardless of Joseph’s future. Defensive upgrades will undoubtedly be on GM George Paton’s radar, but adding offensive weapons for Bo Nix may take top priority. One glaring need is at tight end, where no player on the current roster surpassed 200 receiving yards or scored more than three touchdowns. Addressing this position could elevate the offense to another level. Early mock drafts suggest Denver might look to the Big Ten for a solution, with Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren projected as potential late first-round picks. A dynamic tight end would provide Nix with a reliable middle-of-the-field target and red-zone presence, giving the Broncos a balanced, high-powered attack to complement their improving defense moving forward.

Denver Broncos Wild Card Recap

The Denver Broncos’ return to the playoffs ended in a 31-7 wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills, highlighting gaps in their progress despite finally putting an end to a daunting playoff drought. Though rookie quarterback Bo Nix started strong with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin on the opening drive to silence the Highmark Stadium crowd, the Broncos’ offense stalled, managing just 144 passing yards while going scoreless the rest of the way resulting in a gross failure to cover the closing NFL odds. Nix completed 13 of 22 passes and ended drives with four punts and two turnovers on downs. Denver converted only 2 of 9 third downs. The Bills dominated the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 23 more minutes and keeping Denver’s defense, which led the NFL with 63 sacks, at bay. Buffalo’s offensive line limited the Broncos to just two sacks, neutralizing their pressure and ability to force turnovers. Defensively, Denver could not stop Josh Allen, who passed for 272 yards and two touchdowns, completing passes to eight different players. James Cook added 120 rushing yards, and Curtis Samuel sealed the game with a 55-yard touchdown. Despite leading early, the Broncos’ aggressive defense was worn down by Buffalo’s methodical approach. Denver’s playoff run, its first since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015, showcased potential behind Nix’s 29-touchdown rookie season but also underscored room for growth. The Broncos will aim to build on this foundation as they adjust expectations for future success.

2024 Denver Broncos Schedule, Results & Record

Founded in 1960 as charter members of the American Football League, the Denver Broncos did not post a winning record until 1973. In the franchise's early years, the Broncos were known for their hideous brown and yellow uniforms that included vertical socks. Even when they went to orange and blue in the mid-1960s, the team was still bad and ran on a shoestring budget. The biggest claim to fame for the Broncos was their win over the Detroit Lions in a 1966 exhibition game. It was the first exhibition game between the AFL and NFL and a shocking upset.

Led by the Orange Crush defense, Denver finally made the playoffs and the first Super Bowl in 1977, losing to the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1983, the franchise's fortunes changed forever with the arrival of first round draft choice John Elway. Elway rewrote the Broncos record book as a Hall of Fame quarterback. Elway and the Broncos lost three Super Bowls before finally winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 1997 and 1998 before Elway retired to become a team executive.

Indianapolis Colts import Peyton Manning led the Broncos to two Super Bowls, including their most recent championship in 2015, before retiring after the game. Since then, the Broncos have struggled to find a credible quarterback—until the arrival of Russell Wilson in 2022, or so they thought. Now, it's "Bo Nix Season" in the Mile High City after upper management drafted the well-traveled collegiate star much earlier than experts had predicted in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Denver Broncos Past Seasons (2000)

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