The Denver Broncos turned in a strong season, one that saw them rise to the top of the AFC and come within a game of the Super Bowl. But let’s be honest - they got there on the back of a defense that carried the load week after week. That group was the backbone of the team, and while the offense had its moments, it never quite found the extra gear needed to match the league’s elite.
That reality came into sharp focus during the AFC Championship Game. Denver’s playoff run came to an end in Foxborough, where the Patriots edged them out 10-7.
It was a low-scoring, gritty affair, and the Broncos were forced to go into battle without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who fractured his ankle in the closing moments of the divisional round win over Buffalo. That injury pushed backup Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight, and while he held his own early, the offense struggled to sustain drives as the game wore on.
Naturally, the “what if” questions started flying. Would Nix have made the difference?
Could Denver have taken down New England and given Seattle a better game in the Super Bowl? It’s impossible to say for sure.
What we do know is that even with Nix under center, the Broncos offense had been inconsistent, especially in the latter part of the season. They weren’t bad - just not dynamic.
And in a league where explosive plays and quick-strike capability often separate contenders from champions, Denver came up short.
The Broncos made a habit of playing from behind, often needing late-game heroics to pull out wins. That kind of resilience is admirable, no doubt.
But relying on fourth-quarter comebacks week after week is a tough way to live in the NFL. It’s exhausting, and eventually, it catches up to you - especially in the postseason.
The bigger issue? A lack of true playmakers on offense.
The roster has talent, but there wasn’t a go-to guy - someone who could consistently move the chains or break a game open. Even All-Pro left tackle Garett Bolles acknowledged the need for more weapons.
That’s something General Manager George Paton and the front office will need to address this offseason.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold put it bluntly: Denver needs to “find some pop.” The numbers back that up.
The Broncos ranked 29th in the league in percentage of drives that ended in a three-and-out - not exactly a recipe for offensive rhythm. They were middle-of-the-pack (15th) in plays of 20 yards or more, while the other three teams in the conference championship round ranked first, second, and fourth in that category.
That’s a telling contrast.
One player who did provide a spark before injury derailed his season was J.K. Dobbins.
The veteran running back looked like a difference-maker, racking up 772 yards and four touchdowns despite missing the final two months with a foot injury. Before he went down, Dobbins was on pace to clear 1,000 rushing yards with ease.
He’s set to hit free agency, but has reportedly shown interest in returning to Denver - a decision that could go a long way in shaping the offense in 2026.
Of course, Dobbins isn’t the only key free agent the Broncos will have to make a call on. Defensive standouts Alex Singleton and John Franklin-Myers are also up for new deals.
Singleton was a tackling machine all year, while Franklin-Myers played a pivotal role up front. Denver’s brain trust will have to weigh how to balance those defensive priorities with the need to infuse more juice into the offense.
If Dobbins does move on, RJ Harvey could be in line for a bigger role. The young back showed flashes, and there’s intrigue around what he could do with a full workload. But whether it’s Harvey, Dobbins, or someone else, one thing is clear: the Broncos need more firepower.
This is a team with a championship-caliber defense and a young quarterback in Bo Nix who showed real promise before the injury. The foundation is there.
But to take the next step - to not just reach the AFC title game, but win it - Denver has to find that offensive spark. Whether that comes through free agency, the draft, or both, the mission is clear: add playmakers, find explosive potential, and give this team the balance it needs to make a real run.