Broncos defend the AFC West, adding Jaylen Waddle and handing Bo Nix the keys

The Denver Broncos are the reigning AFC West champions, and they enter 2026 with the quiet confidence of a team that knows its roster is one of the best in the league. Denver won the division in 2025 on the strength of quarterback Bo Nix's rise and an outstanding defense, and rather than overhaul, head coach Sean Payton's group ran it back — with one significant addition and one big storyline to monitor.

The Bo Nix recovery

The central offseason question in Denver is the health of Nix, who fractured his ankle in the Broncos' divisional-round win and underwent a second surgery in April to address bone spurs. Both Nix and Payton have said he'll be full-go for training camp, and he participated on a limited basis in minicamp, but every step of the recovery of a franchise quarterback bears watching. A healthy Nix keeps Denver in the Super Bowl conversation.

A weapon added, the band kept together

Denver's biggest move was trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to pair with Courtland Sutton, gifting Nix a second legitimate No. 1-caliber target. Beyond that, the Broncos focused on continuity — re-signing linebacker Alex Singleton and running back J.K. Dobbins, keeping their core intact, and staying quiet in free agency. With one of the NFL's best rosters, there was little need to force change.

A new play-caller

One wrinkle: offensive coordinator Davis Webb takes over play-calling duties, a notable handoff from Payton that reflects real faith in the 31-year-old. How that arrangement holds up during a brutal early schedule — which opens at Kansas City and features a run of playoff-caliber opponents — is a genuine storyline.

Season outlook

Denver enters 2026 as a legitimate contender, with a strong roster, an ascending quarterback, and an elite defense. The Broncos won the West by winning close games, and the questions are whether Nix is fully healthy, whether the new play-calling arrangement clicks, and whether Denver can survive an unforgiving early slate. If it all holds, the Broncos are a real threat to make a deep run. Continuity plus a healthy Nix and a new weapon in Waddle is a formula built to defend a division crown.