Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos’ 2025 playoff aspirations aren’t just a product of their elite defense or dominant run game—they have a real shot at contention because of their quarterback, Russell Wilson. After two seasons of adjustment in Denver, Wilson has reemerged as the poised, playmaking signal-caller who led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowls and a championship. His combination of veteran leadership, playoff experience, and ability to elevate the talent around him has turned the Broncos from a “maybe” to a “must-watch” in the AFC. While no single player wins games alone, Wilson’s presence solves the Broncos’ most critical long-term problem: quarterback instability. For years, Denver cycled through QBs (Joe Flacco, Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock) who couldn’t consistently lead the team to wins; now, with Wilson, they have a franchise QB who can carry them through tough divisional games and deep playoff runs. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus explores how Wilson’s resurgence has become the foundation of the team’s contention hopes.

Wilson’s greatest asset to the Broncos is his playoff experience—a intangible that separates good teams from championship-caliber ones. With 16 career playoff starts (10-6 record), 36 playoff touchdowns, and a Super Bowl title, Wilson knows how to perform when the stakes are highest. This experience has already rubbed off on the Broncos’ young core: in Week 4’s 27-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs (a potential playoff preview), Wilson stayed calm in the fourth quarter, leading a 90-yard game-winning drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton. After the game, Sutton credited Wilson’s poise: “Russell doesn’t flinch in those moments. He tells us to trust the process, and he delivers. That’s the kind of QB you need to beat the best teams.” Unlike many of the Broncos’ previous QBs, Wilson doesn’t get overwhelmed by the pressure of AFC West battles or primetime games—he thrives on it. His ability to make smart decisions in high-leverage situations (he’s thrown just 7 interceptions in 10 games, with zero in the fourth quarter) gives the Broncos a chance to win even when their defense or run game isn’t at its best. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus frames Wilson’s playoff pedigree as a unique advantage in a league where young QBs often fold under pressure.

Another reason Wilson gives the Broncos a real shot is his ability to elevate the talent around him—turning good players into great ones and masking weaknesses in the roster. This season, Wilson has made stars out of role players: Javonte Williams has career highs in yards (1,042) and touchdowns (8) because Wilson’s play-action fakes force defenses to hesitate, creating running lanes; tight end Lucas Krull (before his injury) had 2 touchdowns because Wilson targeted him in mismatches against linebackers; and even backup wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has seen his catch rate jump from 58% in 2024 to 67% in 2025, thanks to Wilson’s precision passing. Wilson’s ability to read defenses and find the open man—even when his first or second option is covered—keeps the offense moving, even when the offensive line gives up pressure (he’s been sacked 22 times but has completed 65% of his passes under duress). “Russell makes everyone better,” said offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “He’ll hold a play longer than most QBs, wait for someone to get open, and deliver a perfect pass. That’s a rare skill, and it turns our good offense into a dangerous one.” Unlike QBs who need elite weapons to succeed, Wilson can make average receivers look like Pro Bowlers—an invaluable trait for a Broncos team that’s still searching for a consistent No. 2 wide receiver. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus highlights Wilson’s ability to maximize his supporting cast as a key to contention.

The Denver Broncos’ offense has also benefited from Wilson’s adaptation to Sean Payton’s scheme—a process that took time but has finally clicked in 2025. In his first two seasons in Denver, Wilson struggled to fit into a run-heavy, play-action-focused system that was very different from the pass-first offense he ran in Seattle. But this season, he’s embraced Payton’s philosophy: he’s taken fewer deep shots (down from 12 per game in 2024 to 8 per game in 2025) and focused on short, accurate passes that keep the chains moving; he’s used play-action fakes on 42% of his dropbacks (up from 31% in 2024), which has opened up running lanes for Williams; and he’s even become a more effective runner in short-yardage situations (he’s converted 8 of 10 third-and-1 carries with his legs). The result is an offense that’s more balanced, more consistent, and more difficult to defend. “Russell has bought into what we’re doing,” Payton said in a recent interview. “He’s not trying to be the ‘Seattle Russell’—he’s trying to be the ‘Denver Russell’—and that’s made all the difference. He understands that our run game sets up our pass game, and he’s willing to be patient.” The Denver Broncos’ offense isn’t just Wilson’s show anymore—it’s a team effort, with Wilson as the conductor. This adaptation has turned the offense from a liability into a strength, giving the Broncos a complete team that can compete with the AFC’s best. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus underscores Wilson’s scheme flexibility as a critical factor in the team’s success.

The Denver Broncos’ defense has also indirectly benefited from Wilson’s play—because a competent, consistent quarterback takes pressure off the defense to win every game. In 2024, the Broncos’ defense ranked 5th in total defense but still missed the playoffs because the offense couldn’t score enough to support them (they averaged just 19 points per game). This season, with Wilson leading the offense to 26 points per game, the defense can play more aggressively: they blitz 35% of the time (up from 28% in 2024) because they know the offense can score if they force a turnover; they take more risks in coverage (like Patrick Surtain II’s man-to-man matchups against top receivers) because they don’t have to worry about protecting a narrow lead. Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, the defense blitzed 40% of the time, sacked Aidan O’Connell four times, and forced two turnovers—all because Wilson’s offense had already built a 21-7 lead by halftime. “When your QB can score points, it changes everything for the defense,” said defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “We don’t have to play scared. We can go after the quarterback, force turnovers, and let the offense take care of the rest. That’s the luxury Russell gives us.” The Denver Broncos’ defense was already elite in 2024—now, with Wilson leading the offense, it’s even better, because it can play without fear of letting the team down. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus shows how Wilson’s impact extends beyond the offensive side of the ball.

Looking ahead, Wilson’s presence gives the Denver Broncos a real shot at not just making the playoffs, but winning a Super Bowl—because he’s done it before, and he’s playing at a level that can carry them there. The Broncos’ remaining schedule includes winnable games against the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and New England Patriots—games where Wilson can continue to build momentum and refine his chemistry with the offense. Even if the Broncos face the Chiefs or Ravens in the playoffs, Wilson has the experience and talent to beat them: he’s 4-3 against the Chiefs in his career, and he’s won playoff games against elite defenses (like the 2013 San Francisco 49ers). What’s most encouraging is that Wilson isn’t showing signs of slowing down—at 35, he’s still mobile enough to extend plays with his legs (he has 250 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns), and his arm strength and accuracy are as good as they’ve been in years. “We have a chance to do something special,” Wilson said after the Broncos’ Week 10 win over the Texans. “This team has heart, talent, and a plan. I’m just glad I can be a part of it.” For the Broncos, Wilson isn’t just a quarterback—he’s a franchise cornerstone, a leader, and the missing piece that turns a good team into a great one. In a league where quarterback play is the most important factor in success, the Broncos have one of the best—and that’s why they have a real shot. Real Shot Because of QB for the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that Wilson isn’t just a player on the roster—he’s the reason the Broncos are contenders again.