AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely

In the hyper-competitive landscape of the AFC, every team keeps a close eye on potential playoff threats—and this season, the Denver Broncos have emerged as a focal point for rivals across the conference. After years of rebuilding, the Broncos have transformed into a legitimate championship contender, boasting a balanced roster, a stingy defense, and a quarterback playing at Pro Bowl level. Their rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed: from division rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs to top-tier teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, AFC contenders are studying the Broncos’ strengths, analyzing their weaknesses, and adjusting their game plans to counter a team that could derail their Super Bowl aspirations. AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely explores why the Broncos have become a must-scout opponent, how rivals are preparing for them, and what this attention says about the Broncos’ place in the AFC hierarchy.

AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely begins with the Broncos’ unexpected ascent to the upper echelon of the AFC—a rise that has caught many rivals off guard and forced them to refocus their scouting efforts. Just two seasons ago, the Broncos finished 5–12 and were an afterthought in the AFC. But in 2024, they’ve compiled a 10–4 record, secured key wins over playoff-caliber teams (including the Ravens, Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals), and rank among the top 10 in both total offense and defense. This turnaround has been driven by a combination of shrewd roster moves (like extending edge rusher Nik Bonitto and retaining safety Justin Simmons) and Russell Wilson’s return to form at quarterback. For teams like the Chiefs, who have dominated the AFC West for years, the Broncos’ resurgence means a new threat to their division title—and a potential playoff opponent they can no longer overlook. “We used to see the Broncos as a team we could beat with our usual game plan,” said a Chiefs assistant coach, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Now? We’re spending twice as much time breaking down their defense and figuring out how to stop their pass rush. They’re a different team.” This increased attention is a sign of respect—and a testament to how far the Broncos have come in a short time.

A key reason AFC contenders are watching the Broncos closely is their dominant defense—a unit that has proven capable of shutting down even the most high-powered offenses and has become a model for rivals to study. The Broncos rank 6th in the AFC in points allowed (19.8 per game) and 4th in sacks (42), with a pass rush led by Bonitto (11 sacks) and defensive end Zach Allen (9 sacks) that can disrupt quarterbacks’ timing and force turnovers. What’s most concerning for rivals is the defense’s versatility: they can shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment, shut down the run (allowing just 98 rushing yards per game), and create turnovers (28 takeaways this season, tied for 3rd in the AFC). The Ravens learned this firsthand in Week 12, when the Broncos held Lamar Jackson to 180 passing yards and sacked him three times in a 24–17 Broncos win. “Their defense is built to stop teams like us—fast, physical, and disciplined,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “We’re going to have to adjust our approach if we face them again in the playoffs. You can’t just run your usual plays against them and expect to win.” For contenders, studying the Broncos’ defense isn’t just about preparing for a potential matchup—it’s about learning how to counter a unit that has mastered the art of disrupting offenses.

A defining factor in why AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely is Russell Wilson’s return to elite form—a development that has turned the Broncos’ offense into a legitimate threat and forced rivals to rethink how they defend against him. After a disappointing 2022 season in Denver, Wilson has bounced back in 2024, throwing for 3,800 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, while adding 400 rushing yards and 3 scores. What makes Wilson so dangerous now is his ability to adapt: he’s no longer relying solely on his arm or legs, but instead using his football IQ to read defenses, find open receivers, and extend plays when under pressure. The Bills saw this in Week 7, when Wilson led a 90-yard game-winning drive in the final two minutes, connecting with Courtland Sutton for a 15-yard touchdown to secure a 31–28 win. “Wilson is playing like the guy who won a Super Bowl in Seattle,” said Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. “He’s making smart decisions, he’s not forcing throws, and he’s still able to make plays with his legs when things break down. That’s a nightmare for any defense.” For the Denver Broncos, Wilson’s resurgence means they have a quarterback who can win games in crunch time—a trait that makes them a serious playoff threat. For rivals, it means they can no longer focus solely on stopping the Broncos’ defense; they have to game-plan for a quarterback who can take over a game.

Another reason AFC contenders are closely monitoring the Broncos is their favorable remaining schedule—a stretch that could allow the Denver Broncos to secure a high playoff seed and avoid a first-round matchup with a top contender. The Broncos’ final two games are against the Arizona Cardinals (4–10) and Las Vegas Raiders (6–8), both teams eliminated from playoff contention. Winning these games would give the Broncos a 12–4 record, likely locking them into the 4th or 5th seed in the AFC and giving them a home playoff game. For teams like the Bengals or Indianapolis Colts, who are fighting for wild-card spots, this means the Broncos could be a first-round opponent—and one with momentum on their side. “A home playoff game for the Broncos is a problem for anyone,” said a Colts scout. “Their defense plays even better in front of their fans, and Wilson has a history of winning in playoff environments. If we end up facing them, we’ll need to be at our best.” For the Denver Broncos, their schedule gives them a chance to enter the playoffs healthy and confident—a luxury many contenders don’t have. For rivals, it means they have to prepare for a Broncos team that could be playing its best football when the postseason begins.

Wrapping up AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely is the long-term implication of the Broncos’ rise—a shift in the AFC power structure that could force rivals to rebuild or adjust their rosters to keep up with the Denver Broncos. For years, the AFC has been dominated by a handful of teams: the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills. But the Broncos’ emergence as a contender means the conference is becoming more competitive—and that rivals can no longer count on easy wins against them. This has already led to changes: the Chiefs recently signed a veteran edge rusher to counter the Broncos’ offensive line, and the Ravens added a new wide receiver to help Jackson beat the Broncos’ secondary. “The Broncos are forcing everyone in the AFC to step up their game,” said an NFL analyst. “They’re not a flash-in-the-pan team—they have a young core, a solid coaching staff, and the resources to stay competitive for years. Rivals know that, and they’re preparing accordingly.” For the Denver Broncos, this attention is a sign of their success—it means they’ve gone from being an afterthought to a team that can shape the AFC’s future. For rivals, it means the road to the Super Bowl will now have to go through Denver more often than not. AFC Contenders Watch the Denver Broncos Closely ultimately shows that the Broncos have arrived as a top-tier AFC team—and that the rest of the conference is taking notice, whether they like it or not.