The AFC West closed the 2025 season with disappointment across the division: the Raiders and Chiefs missed the playoffs, with Kansas City out for the first time since 2014, while the Chargers fell 16-3 to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round and the Broncos lost 10-7 to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, according to a report from Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold, Chargers reporter Kris Rhim, Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor and Raiders reporter Ryan McFadden.
Denver enters the offseason with optimism tempered by injuries and questions. Mike Clay projects the Broncos for 10.9 wins in 2026, lists Denver’s odds to win the AFC West at +225 and grades the Broncos with the 18th-easiest strength of schedule. Quarterback Bo Nix fractured his right ankle in the divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills in January and had a second surgery in April to address bone spurs; he participated on a limited basis at minicamp and both Nix and coach Sean Payton said he will be 100 percent “full-go” for training camp, with Nix saying he does not expect the surgeries to affect his mobility, Legwold reported.
Offensive changes are among the headline moves. Payton said in February that he would relinquish playcalling duties because of frustrations with pacing, getting plays to Nix and an inconsistent run game; offensive coordinator Davis Webb will assume those responsibilities in 2026. The addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has drawn attention as a likely high-volume target who has impressed teammates and is expected to bolster a receiving corps that accompanied a high-usage Nix last season — Nix led the league with 612 pass attempts but ranked 24th in completion rate (63.4 percent) among quarterbacks who started at least eight games and 26th in completion above expectation (-2.1 percent).
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman is an under-the-radar name to watch in training camp and the preseason. Legwold notes Coleman has shown quickness, consistency in the passing game and awareness in pass protection; veteran J.K. Dobbins praised Coleman’s build and work ethic and said he looks ready. The Broncos list Dobbins atop the depth chart with R.J. Harvey, but Coleman has shown he belongs in the rotation.
The most significant roster question may be at outside linebacker after Jonathon Cooper was arrested twice in a seven-day span in June on domestic-violence charges. Payton called the charges “serious,” and the team issued a statement after the second arrest saying it was “disappointed.” Payton said during minicamp the organization will consider all facets of the investigation, Legwold reported.
