9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos

Entering the 2025 NFL season, the Denver Broncos were an afterthought in conversations about AFC contenders—pundits focused on the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty, the Buffalo Bills’ star power, and the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive might. But by Week 12, the Broncos had rewritten the script: a 9-2 record, a two-game lead in the AFC West, and a legitimate shot at claiming the conference’s No. 1 seed—a position that would grant them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. 9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a story of a team that turned doubt into dominance, leveraging balance, resilience, and timely play to emerge as one of the NFL’s most unexpected powerhouses. For Broncos fans, it’s a return to the franchise’s winning roots; for the league, it’s a reminder that no preseason narrative is set in stone.

9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos began with a slow but steady climb that caught the NFL by surprise. The Broncos started the season 3-1, with wins over middling teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans, but few took notice—until they upset the Chiefs in Week 5, a 31-24 victory where quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdowns and the defense sacked Patrick Mahomes four times. That win was a turning point: suddenly, the Broncos weren’t just “overachieving”—they were proving they could beat the league’s best. They followed that with a four-game winning streak, including a 20-17 overtime win over the Bills and a 28-14 rout of the Ravens, two teams widely considered Super Bowl favorites. By Week 11, their 9-2 record tied them with the Chiefs for the best in the AFC, and NFL.com’s playoff projections gave them a 45% chance of securing the 1 seed—up from just 5fore the season. “We never cared about what people said we couldn’t do,” Wilson said after the Ravens win. “We just kept showing up, kept fighting, and let the wins speak for themselves. Now, we’re in a position to control our own destiny—and that’s all you can ask for.”

9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos is rooted in the team’s rare balance: an offense that can both run and pass effectively, and a defense that can shut down opponents in critical moments. On offense, the Broncos rank 8th in the NFL in total yards (375 per game) and 10th in points scored (26 per game), led by Wilson’s resurgent play (2,800 yards, 21 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) and running back Javonte Williams’ consistency (1,100 yards, 8 touchdowns). What makes this offense dangerous is its unpredictability: in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, they ran the ball 35 times for 180 yards; in Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, they threw 40 times for 320 yards. Defensively, the Broncos are even more impressive: they rank 4th in points allowed (18 per game) and 2nd in sacks (34), with a pass rush that features six players with at least 4 sacks. Linebacker Drew Sanders, a breakout star, leads the team with 110 tackles and 7 sacks, while rookie cornerback Tyler Hill—an undrafted free agent—has emerged as a shutdown defender with 4 interceptions. “Balance wins championships,” head coach Sean Payton said. “You can’t be one-dimensional in this league. We can beat you with the run, beat you with the pass, and stop you when we need to. That’s why we’re in this position.”

9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos has been solidified by their ability to win close games—a trait that separates good teams from great ones. Of their 9 wins, 6 have come by 7 points or fewer, including three overtime victories. In Week 3 against the Raiders, Williams scored a 1-yard touchdown with 2 seconds left to win 24-21; in Week 7 against the Bills, kicker Wil Lutz made a 52-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 23-20 win; in Week 9 against the Bengals, the defense forced a turnover on downs in the final minute to preserve a 28-24 victory. These wins aren’t flukes—they’re the result of preparation and poise. The Denver Broncos spend extra time in practice simulating end-of-game scenarios, from two-minute drills to field goal attempts in high-pressure situations. “Winning close games is about mental toughness,” Payton said. “You have to stay calm, execute your assignments, and trust your teammates. This team has that mental toughness in spades. They don’t panic when the game is on the line—they rise to the occasion.” For the Broncos, these close wins have also built confidence: they know they can beat anyone, even when things aren’t going perfectly.

9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos isn’t without challenges, however. The remaining schedule includes tough matchups against the Chiefs (Week 14), the San Francisco 49ers (Week 16), and the Los Angeles Rams (Week 17)—three teams with winning records and Super Bowl aspirations. The Chiefs, in particular, are a threat: they’ve already lost to the Broncos once this season, but they’re a team that often peaks late in the year, led by Mahomes’ ability to take over games. The 49ers, meanwhile, have one of the NFL’s best defenses, which could test the Broncos’ offense. To secure the 1 seed, the Broncos need to win at least two of these three games—and avoid losing to lower-tier teams like the Arizona Cardinals (Week 13) or the Denver Broncos (Week 15). “We’re not celebrating yet,” general manager George Paton said. “We have a long way to go. The hardest part of the season is ahead of us. We need to stay focused, stay humble, and keep doing the things that got us here.” The Denver Broncos have also been relatively healthy this season—something that could change down the stretch. Staying healthy, especially along the offensive line and in the secondary, will be critical to their success.

9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos is more than just a chance to host playoff games—it’s a chance to restore the franchise’s legacy. The Broncos haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2015, and they haven’t had a first-round bye in the playoffs since 2016. Securing the 1 seed would not only give them home-field advantage but also send a message to the rest of the league: the Broncos are back. For players like Wilson, who joined the team in 2022 with high expectations, this is a chance to prove he can still lead a team to a championship. For young players like Sanders and Hill, it’s a chance to experience playoff success early in their careers. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate a team that has exceeded every expectation. “This is why we play the game,” Wilson said. “To be in a position to compete for a Super Bowl, to make our fans proud, to leave a legacy. We’re not done yet—but we’re on the right path.” In the end, 9-2 Shot at 1 Seed for the Denver Broncos is a story of resilience. It’s about a team that was written off, fought back, and now has a chance to be the best in the AFC. Whether they secure the 1 seed or not, one thing is clear: the Broncos are no longer an afterthought—they’re a contender.