Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos

In the storied history of the Denver Broncos—filled with Super Bowl wins, Hall of Fame players, and memorable seasons—few stretches have begun as impressively as their 2025 campaign. Through the first 6 games, the Broncos posted a 5-1 record, their best start since 2013, and emerged as a surprise contender in the AFC. Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a statistical milestone; it’s a testament to a team that finally found its rhythm—offensively explosive, defensively stingy, and mentally tough in close games. This start didn’t just turn heads around the NFL; it reignited a fanbase that had waited years for the Broncos to return to contention, proving that the franchise’s rebuild had finally paid off.

Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos began with a statement win in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, a 31-17 victory that set the tone for the season. Quarterback Russell Wilson, entering his fourth year with the Broncos, looked sharper than ever, throwing for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception. The defense, meanwhile, held Raiders star running back Josh Jacobs to just 45 yards on 15 carries and sacked quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo 3 times. What stood out most, though, was the team’s balance: the Broncos rushed for 150 yards (led by Javonte Williams’ 85-yard, 1-touchdown performance) and controlled the clock for over 35 minutes. “Week 1 was about proving we’re not the same team as years past,” head coach Sean Payton said after the game. “We wanted to show we could run the ball, pass the ball, and stop the run—all in one game. That’s exactly what we did.” The win was the first of four consecutive victories to open the season, a streak that hadn’t been seen in Denver since 2009.

Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos was defined by the team’s ability to win both blowouts and close games—a rare skill that separates good teams from great ones. In Week 2, the Broncos dominated the Houston Texans 42-14, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions and holding the Texans to just 180 total yards. Wilson threw 4 touchdowns that day, and rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin caught 2 of them, including a 65-yard bomb that showcased his speed. Just two weeks later, in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos faced their first real test: a back-and-forth game that went down to the wire. With the score tied 24-24 in the final minute, Wilson led a 50-yard drive to set up Wil Lutz’s 52-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Broncos a 27-24 win. “Winning close games like that is what builds confidence,” Wilson said. “When you know you can beat a team like the Chiefs in the final seconds, you start to believe you can beat anyone.” That confidence carried over to Week 5, when the Broncos rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Cleveland Browns 23-20.

Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos wouldn’t have been possible without a defense that emerged as one of the NFL’s best. Through 6 games, the Broncos ranked 3rd in the league in points allowed (16.2 per game) and 2nd in sacks (21), with a pass rush that terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Drew Sanders was the star, recording 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in the first 6 games, including a game-sealing sack in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Rookie cornerback Tyler Hill, an undrafted free agent, also made a name for himself, intercepting 3 passes and breaking up 8 others. “Our defense is the backbone of this team,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “We’re not just stopping teams—we’re creating turnovers and giving our offense opportunities to score. That’s the formula for winning in this league.” The Denver Broncos’ defense was especially dominant in the red zone, holding opponents to a 35% touchdown rate—the lowest in the AFC. In Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the defense forced 4 turnovers, including 2 interceptions, to secure a 28-14 win and improve to 5-1.

Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos also highlighted the growth of the team’s young core, which complemented veterans like Wilson and Sanders. Franklin, in his second NFL season, emerged as Wilson’s top target, catching 28 passes for 420 yards and 4 touchdowns in the first 6 games. Offensive lineman Marcus Henderson, a third-round pick in 2025, took over at right tackle and didn’t allow a single sack in his first 6 starts. Even on special teams, young players made an impact: rookie punt returner Jamal Agnew returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, the Broncos’ first special teams touchdown since 2022. “We’ve built this team to have a mix of veterans and young players, and that’s paying off,” general manager George Paton said. “The veterans are leading, and the young guys are stepping up. That’s how you sustain success.” The Denver Broncos’ young players didn’t just fill roles—they excelled in them, giving the team a depth that few opponents could match.

Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos wasn’t just a hot streak; it was a sign of things to come. By the end of the 2025 season, the Broncos finished 12-5, won the AFC West, and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs—their first playoff appearance since 2015. But it was that 5-1 start that laid the foundation, giving the team the confidence to compete with the NFL’s best and the fanbase a reason to believe again. “That start changed everything,” Payton said at the end of the season. “It showed us we could be a championship-caliber team, and it made everyone—players, coaches, fans—believe in this journey.” For the Broncos, the best start through 6 games was more than just wins and losses; it was a return to their winning legacy. It proved that even after years of struggle, the Broncos were back—and ready to compete for another Super Bowl. In the end, Best Start Through 6 Games for the Denver Broncos is a story of resilience, teamwork, and belief—a reminder that in football, as in life, a strong start can set the stage for something extraordinary.