Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, "bottom line success" is often reduced to wins and losses—but for the 2024 Denver Broncos, it’s about much more. After two seasons of missing the playoffs and facing fan frustration, the Broncos have redefined success as tangible, measurable progress: closing the gap in the AFC West, fixing longstanding issues (like penalties and inconsistent offense), and building a foundation that extends beyond a single season. Through 13 weeks, this approach has paid off: the Broncos sit at 6-7, firmly in the AFC wildcard race, with key improvements in rushing yards, defensive sacks, and penalty discipline. Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos explores how the team has shifted from "rebuilding" to "competing," the specific metrics that prove their growth, and why this success matters for both the present playoff push and the future of the franchise.

Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos begins with the most basic measure of progress: win-loss improvement and playoff contention. After finishing 5-12 in 2022 and 7-10 in 2023, the Broncos were widely written off as a team stuck in mediocrity. But 2024 has been different: they’ve already matched their 2023 win total with three games left, and they’re just one game behind the Las Vegas Raiders for the final AFC wildcard spot. What’s more, their wins have come against quality competition: a Week 10 victory over the playoff-contending Cleveland Browns, a Week 12 upset of the Kansas City Chiefs (their first win over Kansas City since 2021), and a hard-fought Week 8 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. "Winning against good teams is the ultimate bottom line," said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. "It’s easy to beat teams that are out of the race, but when you can go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs or Browns and come out on top, that’s how you prove you belong. That’s success." For fans, this contention is a welcome change: after years of watching the Broncos fall short, they’re now tuning in each week with legitimate hope of a playoff berth—a shift that has reignited passion in Broncos Country.

Another key component of Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos is statistical turnarounds in areas that plagued the team for years. The most notable improvement is in penalty discipline: after ranking 3rd-worst in penalty yards per game (82.3) through Week 10, the Broncos have cut that number to 58.2 over the last three weeks—near the league average. This reduction has directly impacted wins: in their Week 12 win over the Chiefs, they committed just four penalties for 35 yards, avoiding the costly flags that derailed earlier games. Their rushing attack has also seen a dramatic shift: after ranking 22nd in rushing yards per game (98.3) in October, they’ve climbed to 15th (112.6) in November, thanks to improved blocking from the offensive line (anchored by Andrew Vorhees) and consistent play from Javonte Williams (4.2 yards per carry since Week 9). On defense, the addition of Chris Jones has boosted their sack total from 21 (Week 10) to 30 (Week 13)—a 43% increase in just three games. "Stats don’t lie—these improvements are real," said Broncos general manager George Paton. "We set clear goals in the offseason: reduce penalties, run the ball better, and pressure the quarterback. We’re checking those boxes, and that’s how you build success that lasts."

A critical aspect of Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos is how this progress has stabilized the franchise and restored fan trust. For years, the Broncos faced criticism for poor roster decisions and inconsistent coaching, leading to declining season ticket sales and apathy in Broncos Country. But 2024 has reversed that trend: season ticket renewals are up 25% from 2023, and game-day attendance at Empower Field at Mile High has averaged 73,500—near capacity—since Week 10. Local businesses have also benefited: downtown Denver restaurants and bars report a 30% increase in game-day revenue compared to last season. "Fan trust is the ultimate bottom line for any franchise," said Broncos team president Damani Leech. "When fans stop showing up, stop buying jerseys, stop believing— that’s when you know you’re failing. This year, we’ve given them reasons to believe again, and that’s success we can’t measure in wins alone." For the Denver Broncos, this trust extends beyond the field: Paton’s midseason move to sign Chris Jones showed fans the front office is willing to invest in winning now, while the development of rookies like Bo Nix and Tyler Badie proved they’re still planning for the future. This balance—competing today, building tomorrow—has become a cornerstone of the team’s success.

Another important element of Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos is player development and the emergence of key contributors. Success isn’t just about signing stars—it’s about turning draft picks and role players into impact performers. This season, the Broncos have seen breakout years from second-year left guard Andrew Vorhees (who hasn’t missed a snap) and third-year wide receiver Pat Bryant (1,020 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns), both of whom were considered long-term projects when drafted. Rookie running back Tyler Badie, a former practice squad player, has also become a reliable third-down option, catching 23 passes for 210 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns. "Developing our own players is the cheapest and most sustainable way to win in the NFL," said Payton. "When Vorhees goes from a injured rookie to our best lineman, or Badie goes from the practice squad to a key contributor—that’s bottom line success. It means our scouting, coaching, and player development systems are working." For the Denver Broncos, this development is crucial: it allows them to retain talent without overspending in free agency, keeping the roster flexible for future moves. It also builds a culture of accountability, where players know hard work can lead to opportunities—something that has boosted morale in the locker room.

Wrapping up Bottom Line Success for the Denver Broncos is what this success means for the playoffs and beyond. With three games left, the Broncos control their own destiny: wins over the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders would likely secure them a wildcard spot. Even if they fall short, however, the 2024 season will be remembered as a turning point—a year when the Broncos went from "also-rans" to "contenders." "Success isn’t just making the playoffs—it’s showing you can compete at a high level week in and week out," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "This year, we’ve done that. We’ve fixed our mistakes, we’ve grown as a team, and we’ve given our fans something to cheer for. That’s the bottom line." Looking ahead, the Broncos have a clear path: retain key free agents (like Chris Jones), continue developing young players, and build on the statistical improvements that defined 2024. For Broncos Country, this is the success they’ve been waiting for—not just a single playoff run, but a franchise that’s back on track. "We’re not done yet," said linebacker Dre Greenlaw. "But we’ve proven we can win, we can grow, and we can compete with the best. That’s the bottom line—and that’s something no one can take away from us." For the Denver Broncos, bottom line success isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. And in 2024, they’ve taken the most important steps forward.