The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment! 

The Denver Broncos had a magical run in 2026. Things broke right as the Chargers and Chiefs struggled with injuries and fell short, leaving the Broncos to snag the AFC West. With 13 wins, the team also finished at the No. 1 seed in the AFC. After beating Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Broncos’ quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle, ending his season. In the AFC Championship Game, without Nix, the Broncos’ offense came up short, ending the magical run. Now, the team has re-loaded to make a move again in 2026. Can they get to the big game? Let’s dive in. 

Off-Season Changes 

The Broncos spent most of the off-season keeping the band together, which included bringing back starting running back J.K. Dobbins. But they did lose some depth on defense. Dre Greenlaw, a big acquisition during the 2025 off-season, was released. That leaves a hole in the middle. The Broncos also lost depth on the back end as safety P.J. Locke left in free agency. The Broncos also lost John Franlin-Myers on the defensive line. 

But the Broncos also worked to bolster the roster. While the team was quiet in free agency, the Broncos made a big splash by acquiring Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. In five years for the Dolphins, he caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. He gives Nix a big new weapon on the outside. 

In the running game, the Broncos brought back Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin to go with second year back R.J. Harvey. But they also looked to the future by taking Jonah Coleman out of Washington in the draft. Coleman rushed for 1,811 yards and 25 touchdowns the past two seasons. He figures to be the workhorse back of the future. 

Fantasy Impact 

Nix is back and appears to be fully healthy. In 2025, much like in his rookie season, he finished as QB7. He has QB1 upside, but I like him better as a high-end QB2. In the backfield, it’s likely a mix of Dobbins and Harvey to start the season. Coleman is a great dynasty asset who could have a bigger role if (when) Dobbins misses time. But I like Dobbins as a low-end RB2 to start the season and Harvey as more of an RB3/Flex with upside. 

In the passing game, it figures to be Waddle and Courtland Sutton. Sutton was WR13 a year ago but could see slightly less volume. Troy Franklin was WR31 a year ago but should be competing for targets with Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims. I suspect Waddle and Sutton will both have WR2 upside. I’m fading the Broncos’ tight ends. Evan Engram didn’t do much in 2025, and I don’t see a big improvement in 2026.  

Prediction 

The Broncos made a splash in 2025, winning the AFC West and earning the No. 1 seed. They have that kind of upside again in 2026, but will it work out? I think they’ll compete for the division title and make a return to the playoffs. 

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.