The Denver Broncos are on the brink of a return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years, but their path has stirred discussion among NFL fans and analysts alike.
Denver‘s current squad has quietly built an impressive 2025 season that places them in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Denver finished the regular season with a 14-3 record and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, earning home field advantage for their playoff tilt.
Despite this, critics have pointed to the quality of their schedule, noting that several of Denver‘s wins came against teams led by backup or inexperienced quarterbacks, or squads enduring significant struggles.
Cerrone Battle of the 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston highlighted that pattern of opponent quality this season.
“They played a lot of backup quarterbacks, even when they faced 11 win teams such as the Chargers and the Texans,” Battle said.
Nix’s absence highlights ironic turn of events
Denver‘s list of victims this season also included quarterbacks who struggled with consistency and injuries, adding fuel to the argument that their record may overstate their dominance.
“They beat Geno Smith twice, one of the worst quarterbacks in the league in 2025,” Battle noted.
Still, the Broncos pushed past a formidable opponent in the divisional round. Their thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills ended the season of Josh Allen and demonstrated Denver‘s resilience when it mattered most.
However, that game came with a major cost as starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending broken ankle late in the contest.
“It was devastating, especially with everything on the line,” Nix posted in a social message after the injury.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will now make his first playoff start in the AFC title game, stepping into a pressure packed spotlight.
Though his experience is limited – he last started a game in 2023 and has minimal action in 2025 – Broncos coach Sean Payton has expressed trust in his veteran’s ability to lead the offense.
“Stidham‘s calm and ready,” Payton remarked on his backup’s preparation.
Patriots the toughest test yet
Facing the Broncos in the AFC Championship will be a formidable New England Patriots team that also finished 14-3.
Their success this season has been anchored by quarterback Drake Maye, who has put together a breakout campaign and earned All AFC recognition for his performance.
“Our focus is on execution, not the opponents’ labels,” Maye emphasized when reflecting on New England‘s preparation.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel‘s unit has balanced efficient passing with opportunistic defense, traits that will test Denver‘s depth and adaptability, especially with a backup quarterback under center.
Critics who focus on Denver‘s schedule may overlook the fact that the Broncos have found ways to win gritty, competitive games throughout the year.
Their defense ranked among the league’s best in pressure rates and sacks, a testament to a unit capable of imposing its will even when the offense faces adversity.
“We understand the challenge in front of us,” Broncos linebacker Pat Surtain II said. “We’re ready for anything they bring.”
As Denver and New England prepare to clash in the AFC title game, the narrative surrounding the Broncos‘ season will be tested on the field.
A victory would silence many critics and undoubtedly put Denver back into the championship spotlight, where they haven’t stood since that memorable Super Bowl 50 triumph.
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