Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High on August 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images See more of our coverage in your search results.
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The Seahawks began the season with 60/1 odds to win the Super Bowl before a 14-3 record fueled by a No. 1 overall defensive rank in scoring, DVOA, and EPA.
I’m looking to the Broncos for the same reasons as a Super Bowl future to place ahead of Week 1.
Denver’s defense set a franchise record for sacks for the second straight season, posting 68.
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s aggressive scheme relies heavily on simulated pressures to funnel quarterbacks into elite edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper while superstar cornerback Pat Surtain II anchors the secondary.
A product of playing alongside Surtain II is getting the lion’s share of targets. Riley Moss led the NFL in coverage targets last year while allowing the second-fewest yards amongst cornerbacks.
For the first time since 2015, the Chiefs were dethroned by the Broncos as winners of the AFC West. A 14-3 record preceded a run to the AFC Championship, and if it weren’t for Bo Nix’s fractured ankle in overtime of the Divisional Round, perhaps even more was on tap.
Now it’s Super Bo or bust for Nix and the Broncos, who open the year at a handsome price of 19/1.
His 24 career wins are the most of any active quarterback’s first two seasons in the NFL.
Last year, Nix led the NFL in game-winning drives with seven — a stat that isn’t all that sustainable.
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect He benefited from a defense that succeeded with little margin for error, but he also managed this with an offense that ranked 16th and 17th in rushing and passing yards, respectively. He gets a new toy to improve those numbers this year in Jaylen Waddle, who adds a legitimate deep-ball threat to the offense.
Waddle posted 1,000-yard seasons in each of his first three years but dropped off the last two thanks to Miami’s quarterback instability and a drastic shift in the offensive scheme. He won’t have to compete with Tyreek Hill for targets anymore while bringing versatility by lining up in either the slot or out wide. Waddle’s knack for juicing yards after catch on quick slants can also help draw coverage off of Courtland Sutton, who is a trusted possession receiver.
New offensive coordinator Davis Webb is tasked with getting the most out of Waddle and eliciting more from virtually the same offense as last year. The 31-year-old will be the primary play-caller, a title Sean Payton doesn’t often surrender.
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J.K. Dobbins must prove he’s not made of glass after the team gave him a $5.25 million raise even though he missed the final nine games last season. He was a top-five rusher before getting shelved while RJ Harvey proved effective pounding the ball in on the goal line and as a third-down security blanket.
The offensive line can only aid this backfield as it returns all five starters after finishing No. 1 in sacks allowed.
The Broncos will go up against the 11th-easiest schedule, per Sharp Football Analysis, and since the franchise is banking on culture continuity, I’m bullish on Nix and this defense to pick up where they left off.
THE PLAY: Broncos to Win the Super Bowl (19/1, FanDuel)
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
