7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, a fast start doesn’t guarantee a championship—but a 7-2 record through the first nine games sends a clear message: a team is built to win. 7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos examines how the Broncos have emerged as one of the league’s surprise powerhouses in 2025, joining the likes of the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens atop the NFL standings. This mark isn’t just a streak of lucky wins; it’s the result of a balanced roster, smart coaching, and the ability to win in different ways—whether by dominating on defense, leaning on the running game, or making clutch plays in the fourth quarter. For the Broncos, who missed the playoffs in 2024, this 7-2 start is a return to relevance, a sign that their off-season moves and young talent have finally clicked. As they head into the second half of the season, the Broncos aren’t just aiming to maintain their record—they’re aiming to turn this hot start into a deep playoff run.

7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos begins with the team’s balanced performance on both sides of the ball, a rarity in a league where most top teams excel in one area but struggle in another. On offense, the Broncos rank 11th in total yards per game (360) and 9th in points per game (26.5), led by quarterback Bo Nix’s steady play (62% completion rate, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) and running back Javonte Williams’ consistency (850 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns). Defensively, they’re even more impressive: 4th in total yards allowed (305 per game), 2nd in sacks (32), and 3rd in turnovers forced (18)—a unit anchored by pass rusher Jonah Elliss (14 sacks) and safety Justin Simmons (4 interceptions). “Balance is the key to our success,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “We don’t have to rely on one phase of the game to win. If the offense is quiet, the defense steps up. If the defense gives up a score, the offense can respond. That’s how you win 7 out of 9 games.” This balance was on full display in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers: the Broncos’ offense scored just 17 points, but their defense forced 3 turnovers and held the Chargers to 10 points, securing a 17-10 win. It’s this ability to win even when one unit isn’t firing that sets the Broncos apart from other top teams.

A defining factor in 7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos is their knack for winning close games—proof that this team has the mental toughness to perform under pressure. Of their 7 wins, 5 have been decided by 7 points or fewer, including a 20-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 12 (secured by a game-winning field goal) and a 24-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 (clinched by an Elliss sack on fourth down). What’s impressive about these wins is that the Broncos haven’t just survived—they’ve controlled the critical moments. In the fourth quarter of close games, they’ve outscored opponents 78-42, with Nix completing 70% of his passes and the defense allowing just 12 points in the final 5 minutes of regulation. “Winning close games is about execution and composure,” said Nix. “We don’t panic when we’re tied or trailing. We stick to our game plan, make the plays we need to make, and trust each other.” This mental resilience was tested in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns: the Broncos trailed 17-14 with 3 minutes left, but Nix led a 10-play, 75-yard drive to set up a game-tying field goal, then the defense forced a Browns turnover in overtime to set up the game-winning score. These close wins aren’t luck—they’re the product of practice, preparation, and a team that refuses to lose.

7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos also highlights their dominance in divisional play, a critical factor for long-term success in the NFL. The Broncos have gone 4-0 against AFC West opponents so far in 2025, including two wins over the defending division champion Chiefs and one each over the Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders. This divisional sweep has given them a commanding 3-game lead in the AFC West standings, putting them in prime position to win the division and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. What’s notable about their divisional wins is their consistency: they’ve outscored AFC West opponents by an average of 11 points per game, with the defense holding Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to just 2 touchdown passes in two matchups. “Divisional games are the most important ones on the schedule,” said Payton. “They’re the games that decide who wins the division and who goes home. To be 4-0 against the AFC West says a lot about our team’s focus and preparation.” For the Denver Broncos, divisional dominance isn’t just a source of pride—it’s a strategic advantage. By winning these games early, they’ve reduced the pressure of the late-season schedule and put themselves in control of their playoff destiny.

Another key element of 7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos is the standout performances from both veterans and young players, proving that this team has depth and talent across the roster. Elliss, in his second season, has been a revelation (14 sacks, 5 forced fumbles), while veteran Simmons has continued to be a ballhawk in the secondary (4 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries). On offense, Williams has emerged as one of the league’s top running backs (850 yards, 7 touchdowns), and rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.—after overcoming early injuries—has become a reliable deep threat (15 catches, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns). Even role players have stepped up: backup tight end Greg Dulcich has 3 touchdown catches in his last 4 games, and kicker Wil Lutz has made 28 of 29 field goal attempts. “This isn’t a one-player team,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “We have guys contributing at every position, from starters to backups. When one player goes down or has an off game, another steps up. That’s the sign of a great team.” For the Denver Broncos, this depth has been crucial: they’ve dealt with injuries to key players like Mims and left guard Dalton Risner, but backups have filled in seamlessly, ensuring the team didn’t miss a beat. This depth is a big reason why they’re tied for the NFL’s best record.

Looking ahead, 7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos sets the stage for a potential Super Bowl run—but the team knows there’s still work to do. The second half of their schedule includes tough matchups against the 49ers, Ravens, and Bills—games that will test their mettle against other top teams. The Broncos are focused on staying humble, avoiding complacency, and continuing to improve. Payton has emphasized the importance of “taking it one game at a time,” while Nix has spoken about the need to “clean up the little mistakes” that could cost them in the playoffs. “A 7-2 start is great, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t finish strong,” said Elliss. “We want to be playing in February, and that means we have to keep working harder every week.” For the Denver Broncos, this 7-2 record is more than just a statistic—it’s a foundation. It’s proof that their plan is working, that their players are buying in, and that they’re ready to compete with the best teams in the NFL. 7-2 Record Ties Best in NFL for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a snapshot of their season so far; it’s a preview of what’s possible. If they can maintain their balance, mental toughness, and divisional dominance, the Broncos could be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February.