Bo Nix is back under center for the Denver Broncos, ending a long wait after an ankle injury shut down his and their season last year. This isn’t just any return, though; the Broncos are rolling into the new season after their best year in a decade, where they snagged the AFC’s No. 1 seed, won the AFC West, and even hosted the AFC Championship Game. Now, the biggest question is whether Nix and the squad can take that next massive step toward a Super Bowl. The first real test? Monday Night Football, on the road, against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos Look to Build on Last Season’s Fire
Talk about momentum, right? After a 2025 season that saw them beat Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a franchise-best win, Denver’s aiming higher. But it’s not going to be easy, especially heading into Arrowhead as slight +2.5-point road underdogs against their division rivals, with the total set at 43.5 points. Looking back at last year, Denver’s offensive unit was no slouch, ranking tenth in total offense with 352.1 yards per game, eighth in passing (233.9 YPG), and 13th in scoring (24.1 PPG). Their rushing game, at 18th (118.3 YPG), could use a boost. The Chiefs, meanwhile, were a bit behind them, 13th in total offense and 20th in scoring.
Where the Broncos really shined in 2025 was on defense, proving they’re a force. They were fourth in total defense, giving up just 291.6 yards per game, and an incredible second in rushing defense at a paltry 90.2 YPG. They finished fifth in scoring defense, allowing only 19.7 points per game. Kansas City’s defense was also strong, finishing fourth in scoring defense just ahead of Denver, but overall, Denver had the edge in total and rushing defense.
Keys to Kicking Off With a Bang
The MHR staff laid out some critical keys for Denver’s opener, and they make total sense. First up: **start fast**. Last season, Nix and the Broncos made a habit of those nail-biting, come-from-behind wins because the offense often got off to a slow start. If they want to ditch that trend this year, they need to light it up early. What better way than on Monday Night Football in Kansas City, with Davis Webb making his debut as offensive playcaller? Imagine hitting Jaylen Waddle with a deep shot on the very first play from scrimmage, showing the Chiefs secondary what’s up. An opening-drive touchdown? That sends a message to the entire NFL that this Broncos team is for real this season.
Another huge key is to **stop the run**. You gotta make the Chiefs one-dimensional. Force Patrick Mahomes to prove he can carry that team all by himself, especially with that surgically repaired knee of his. And finally, the Broncos need to **close the deal on third downs**. This isn’t just about scoring, it’s about momentum, about keeping drives alive, and about putting pressure on the Chiefs.
This season opener isn’t just one game; it’s the first statement in Denver’s quest to build on their best season in a decade. Can they silence the critics, stick to their game plan, and show the league they’re ready for that next step to the Super Bowl? This Monday night will tell us a lot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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