Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos

After several seasons of inconsistency and missed playoff berths, the Denver Broncos have exploded out of the gate in 2024, notching an 8-2 record through Week 10—their best start since 2015, when they won Super Bowl 50. Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a statistical milestone; it’s a sign of a franchise that has finally turned rebuilding into results, blending shrewd offseason signings, veteran leadership, and a culture of accountability to become a legitimate AFC contender. For Broncos fans, this start is more than exciting—it’s a return to the winning identity that defined the team’s glory years, when defenses dominated and clutch performances turned regular-season wins into playoff runs. As the Broncos sit atop the AFC West, their success reflects how a clear vision, paired with execution, can turn a struggling team into a force to be reckoned with.

Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos begins with the team’s offensive resurgence, a long-overdue fix that has complemented their historic defensive strength. For years, the Broncos’ offense sputtered due to quarterback instability, but the 2024 signing of Kirk Cousins changed everything. Cousins, a 12-year veteran, has brought precision and poise to the position, throwing for 2,800 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions—ranking 6th in the NFL in passer rating (106.8). He’s built instant chemistry with wide receiver Courtland Sutton (65 receptions, 890 yards, 7 touchdowns) and tight end Greg Dulcich (42 receptions, 510 yards), creating a passing attack that can stretch defenses and convert third downs (the Broncos rank 9th in third-down conversion rate at 41.2%). The running game, led by Javonte Williams (850 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 4.6 yards per carry), has been equally reliable, controlling the clock to keep the defense fresh. This balance—something the Broncos lacked in recent years—has turned close games into wins: they’ve scored 27+ points in 7 of 10 games, a stark contrast to 2023, when they topped 27 just 4 times all season.

Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos next highlights the defense, which has remained a powerhouse and emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant units. Building on the leadership of defensive tackle DJ Jones and cornerback Pat Surtain II, the Broncos rank 3rd in points allowed per game (17.8), 2nd in takeaways (21), and 4th in sacks (34). What sets this defense apart is its ability to win critical moments: they’ve held opponents to a 38% red zone touchdown rate (1st in the NFL) and stopped 40% of third-down attempts (4th in the league). In key games, the defense has delivered game-changing plays: in a Week 6 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Surtain intercepted Patrick Mahomes in the final minute to seal the victory; in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones sacked Justin Herbert and forced a fumble to halt a potential game-tying drive. This kind of clutch performance has been missing from the Broncos’ defense in recent years, and it’s a major reason they’ve turned losses into wins against top competition.

Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos emphasizes the team’s success in divisional matchups, a critical factor in their strong start and a key to their AFC West lead. Through 10 weeks, the Broncos have gone 4-1 against AFC West rivals, including two wins over the defending division champion Chiefs—something no team has accomplished since 2020. These wins haven’t come easily: three of the four divisional victories were decided by one score, and each required late-game heroics. For example, in their Week 2 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Denver Broncos trailed 20-17 with 2 minutes left before Cousins led a 75-yard drive, connecting with Sutton on a 12-yard touchdown pass to win. In their Week 8 rematch with the Chiefs, the defense held Mahomes to 201 passing yards and forced two interceptions, while Williams rushed for 112 yards to control the clock. These divisional wins are especially meaningful because they’ve erased the Broncos’ recent struggles against AFC West foes—from 2021 to 2023, they went 8-12 against division rivals, often losing close games due to late mistakes.

Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos examines the role of head coach Sean Payton, whose leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the team’s turnaround. Payton, who joined the Broncos in 2023, spent his first season rebuilding the culture, emphasizing attention to detail and accountability. In 2024, those efforts have paid off: the Broncos rank 5th in the NFL in fewest penalties per game (4.8) and 7th in time of possession (31:45 per game)—signs of a well-disciplined, focused team. Payton’s in-game adjustments have also been crucial: in their Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills, he switched from a run-heavy approach to a pass-heavy scheme in the second half, leading to 21 unanswered points. The Denver Broncos’ players often credit Payton with creating a winning mindset, even during tough stretches. “Coach Payton doesn’t let us get complacent,” Cousins said in a recent interview. “He reminds us that every win is earned, and every loss is a lesson. That’s why we’re off to this start.”

Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos concludes with the team’s momentum and potential to sustain their success, as well as the impact of their strong start on the franchise and its fans. With six games left in the regular season, the Broncos face a tough stretch (including rematches with the Chiefs and Chargers), but their depth and experience give them an edge. The offense has stayed healthy, with no key players on injured reserve, while the defense has shown resilience even when starters miss time. For the Denver Broncos, this start is more than a hot streak—it’s a sign of a team that has built a sustainable winning model, one that relies on balance, discipline, and clutch play. Off the field, the energy around the franchise has returned: Nissan Stadium is selling out every game, and fan engagement (from social media to tailgates) is at its highest since 2015. Best Start in Years for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a story of redemption. After years of falling short, the Broncos have rediscovered their winning identity, and as they look toward the playoffs, they’re not just aiming to win the AFC West—they’re aiming to bring a fourth Super Bowl title back to Denver. For fans and the franchise alike, this start is a reminder of what the Broncos can be: a team that plays with heart, executes under pressure, and makes every season feel like a chance to win it all.