The Denver Broncos may be entering the 2026 NFL season with more expectations than they’ve had in years. A bold forecast from a former Super Bowl champion has added fuel to the hype – and quarterback Bo Nix is right at the center of it.
Ex-Broncos safety T.J. Ward, a key member of Denver’s dominant Super Bowl 50 defense, believes his old team is ready to return to football’s biggest stage. Speaking during Super Bowl week, Ward didn’t hesitate when asked about the franchise’s future.
They’ll be in the Super Bowl next year!!!
The statement immediately caught attention around the league, especially considering Ward’s familiarity with what a championship roster actually looks like inside a locker room.
Continuity gives Denver a rare advantage
Ward’s confidence isn’t based on nostalgia – it’s rooted in roster stability. According to the former Pro Bowler, Denver has something most NFL teams struggle to maintain: continuity across the entire organization.
“They have a rare opportunity to bring an entire team back, for the most part,” Ward explained.
“Bo Nix gonna get healthy.”
In today’s NFL, frequent coaching changes, free-agency departures and roster turnover often derail promising teams. The Broncos, however, are expected to return most of their core pieces, including the quarterback, running backs, defense and coaching staff.
That type of stability often accelerates development, particularly for a young quarterback. For Nix, recovering from the ankle injury he suffered in the AFC Championship game could become a turning point rather than a setback.
Ward even offered reassurance about the quarterback’s recovery timeline.
Bo Nix 2025 stats:
- 15-3
- 414/658 (62.9%)
- 4,595 total yards
- 33 total touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
- 87.8 passer rating
“It’s all good already, so he’ll be practicing in the offseason,” he said.
Broncos may only need minor offensive help
Unlike many contenders, Ward doesn’t believe Denver requires a dramatic roster overhaul. Instead, he sees only small adjustments necessary to elevate the offense.
I mean, they really don’t need much. Man, I’d probably add a couple more weapons on offense, maybe.
He also noted injuries at wide receiver affected the team during the postseason, suggesting improved health alone could boost production next year.
The Broncos also enter the offseason with draft capital and salary-cap flexibility, allowing them to strengthen the roster without dismantling its foundation – a crucial factor for teams hoping to make a championship leap.
Ward believes that balance between continuity and smart additions mirrors the formula behind past title teams.
It’s an exciting time for football in general… the best part about football is not knowing what’s going to happen.
Still, the former safety hinted that Denver might be closer to certainty than most franchises.
With Bo Nix expected to return healthy, a largely intact roster and additional resources available, the Broncos could enter the 2026 season as a legitimate contender rather than a rebuilding project. Whether Ward’s prediction proves accurate remains to be seen – but the optimism surrounding Denver is growing quickly.
And if his read of the situation is correct, the league may soon be preparing for a Broncos resurgence on the biggest stage.
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