Broncos 2025 NFL Schedule Released for Bo Nix, Sean Payton's 2nd Season

Year 2 of the Bo Nix era is here and expectations are high for the Denver Broncos.

Nix surprised fans with a Rookie of the Year-caliber campaign to lead the Broncos to the playoffs in 2024, helping them snap an eight-year postseason drought. While Denver might not be a Super Bowl contender just yet, it should be due for another big year.

Analysis

It's fair to say the Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024, but because they managed to put together a 10-7 season, there will be high hopes for the campaign ahead.

Much of Denver's success relies on further development for Nix in his second season. Nix, the 12th overall pick in 2024, threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns, adding 430 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. His numbers would have been good enough for Rookie of the Year had it not been for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' historic rookie season.

As good as Nix was in Year 1, we've seen quarterbacks take a step back in their second season. The biggest key for the Broncos will be helping Nix avoid a sophomore slump.

Luckily, Denver retained all of its key offensive pieces like receivers Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele. The Broncos also added Illinois standout receiver Pat Bryant in the third round of the draft.

The Broncos, who boasted one of the best defenses in the league last year, also managed to maintain key players on the defensive side of the ball, including Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain.

If Denver maintains its success on defense while getting some improvement on offense, expect big things from the Broncos in 2025.

Pivotal Matchups

Like always, the biggest matchups for the Broncos will be against their divisional rivals.

Denver went 3-3 against AFC West teams a year ago, winning both games against the Las Vegas Raiders, splitting the series with the Kansas City Chiefs and losing both games against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The two games against the Raiders are the most winnable for the Broncos, but after tight games against both the Chargers and Chiefs a year ago, it's not unrealistic to think Denver could steal the AFC West crown for the first time since 2015.

Another game to watch will be against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos fell to the Bengals in overtime last year but will be looking for a revenge game this year.

From there, two out of conference games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will be good tests before the postseason.