Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos

Thanksgiving Week in the NFL is more than just football—it’s a cultural tradition, blending family, food, and high-stakes matchups that captivate fans across the country. Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos explores how the Broncos have become the talk of the holiday in 2025, thanks to a prime-time Thanksgiving Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, their 7-2 record (tied for the NFL’s best), and a fanbase eager to celebrate both the holiday and the team’s resurgence. For Broncos fans, this Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s about gathering with loved ones to watch their team take on a divisional rival in a game that could shape the AFC West standings. The hype has been building for weeks, from social media buzz to local events in Denver, turning what’s already a special week into an unforgettable one for Titans Nation.

Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos starts with the matchup itself: a Thanksgiving Night showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, a rivalry that has defined the AFC West for years. This isn’t just any regular-season game—it’s a rematch of the Broncos’ 24-21 win over the Chiefs in Week 7, a game that saw pass rusher Jonah Elliss record two sacks and quarterback Bo Nix lead a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. With the Broncos currently holding a 3-game lead in the division, a win on Thanksgiving would all but seal the AFC West title and solidify their status as a Super Bowl contender. The NFL’s decision to slot this game into the Thanksgiving Night slot (one of the most-watched games of the season) has only amplified the hype, as millions of viewers will tune in to see if the Broncos can extend their dominance over the Chiefs. “Playing on Thanksgiving is a dream for any player,” said Nix. “It’s a chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in football, in front of families across the country. The hype around this game is real, and we’re ready to rise to the occasion.” Local sports bars in Denver have already announced plans to open early for the game, with some offering Thanksgiving-themed specials (like “Broncos Turkey Sliders”) to capitalize on the excitement.

A major part of Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos is the fan traditions that have sprung up around the holiday game, blending football fandom with Thanksgiving spirit. In Denver, fans have organized “Broncos Thanksgiving Tailgates” in the parking lots of Empower Field at Mile High, where attendees bring turkeys, stuffing, and other holiday dishes to share before the game. These tailgates aren’t just about food—they’re about community, as fans young and old gather to talk about the team’s season, predict the outcome of the Chiefs game, and celebrate what it means to be a Broncos fan. For those unable to attend the game in person, local watch parties have been planned at venues across the city, including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (which is hosting a “Family Thanksgiving & Football” event) and several breweries that are offering live music and game-day specials. “Thanksgiving is about coming together, and being a Broncos fan is part of that for so many people in Denver,” said Sarah Johnson, a lifelong Broncos fan and organizer of one of the tailgates. “This year, with the team doing so well and playing on Thanksgiving, it feels like the whole city is united. The hype isn’t just about the game—it’s about sharing this moment with each other.”

Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos also includes the team’s community initiatives, which have helped turn the week into a time of giving back as well as celebration. The Broncos organization, along with players like Elliss and running back Javonte Williams, has partnered with local food banks to host “Thanksgiving Meal Drives” across Denver, collecting non-perishable food items and serving hot meals to families in need. On Monday of Thanksgiving Week, Elliss and Williams spent three hours at the Denver Rescue Mission, helping to serve turkey dinners to over 500 people and posing for photos with fans. The team has also donated 1,000 turkeys to local schools and community centers, ensuring that families who might otherwise struggle to afford a Thanksgiving meal can still celebrate. “Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and we’re grateful for the support our fans give us every day,” said Elliss. “Giving back to the Denver community is our way of saying thank you, and it’s a big part of why this week feels so special.” For the Denver Broncos, these initiatives aren’t just a PR move—they’re a way to live up to the team’s values and connect with the fans who make their success possible. The hype around the team this week has only helped to raise awareness for these causes, with fans donating record amounts of food and money to the meal drives.

Another key element of Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos is the excitement among the players themselves, many of whom have never played in a Thanksgiving game before. For rookies like wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., the chance to play on Thanksgiving is a childhood dream come true, and he’s been sharing his excitement on social media (posting photos of his family flying in to Denver for the game). Even veteran players like safety Justin Simmons, who has been with the Broncos for eight seasons, are feeling the buzz, noting that this year’s Thanksgiving game feels different because of the team’s success. “Every Thanksgiving, I’d watch NFL games with my family and think, ‘I wish I was out there,’” said Mims. “Now that I get to play, it’s surreal. The hype around this week has made it even more special—I’ve been getting texts from friends and family back home, all saying they’re staying up late to watch me play.” The team has embraced the Thanksgiving theme in practice, with coaches wearing turkey-themed hats and the locker room decorated with fall foliage and “Happy Thanksgiving” signs. For the Denver Broncos, this excitement isn’t a distraction—it’s a motivator, as players look to put on a show for their families and fans on national TV.

Looking ahead, Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos is sure to reach its peak on game day, as the Broncos take the field against the Chiefs in front of a sold-out crowd and a national audience. Win or lose, this week has already left a lasting impact on the team and its fans, turning a regular Thanksgiving into a celebration of football, community, and gratitude. The hype has also highlighted just how far the Broncos have come in a year—from missing the playoffs in 2024 to being one of the NFL’s top teams in 2025, with a chance to make a deep playoff run. “This Thanksgiving Week is a reflection of our season,” said head coach Sean Payton. “It’s about hard work paying off, about community, and about enjoying the moment. The hype is well-deserved, and we’re ready to make the most of it.” For the Denver Broncos, Thanksgiving Week 2025 will be remembered not just for the game against the Chiefs, but for the way it brought fans together, gave back to the community, and solidified the team’s place as one of the NFL’s most exciting franchises. Thanksgiving Week Hype for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a moment in time—it’s a celebration of everything that makes football and Thanksgiving so special.