Why the 10-2 Broncos Are Built to Run the Table in 2025
The Denver Broncos just keep finding ways to win. At 10-2, riding a nine-game win streak, they’re one of the hottest teams in football-and they’re doing it with a flair for the dramatic. Sunday’s overtime escape against the Washington Commanders was the latest chapter in a season that’s been full of late-game heroics and clutch performances.
If not for a batted pass by Nik Bonitto in OT, we might be talking about a very different playoff picture. But that’s the thing about this Broncos team-they’re making the plays that matter when it matters most.
With five games left on the schedule, Denver is sitting in a prime position. One more win might be enough to lock up a playoff spot, but if they want to bring home the AFC West crown, they’ll likely need to grab at least three more.
Here’s why that’s absolutely in reach-and why this team has a real shot to win out and finish the regular season on a 14-game heater.
1. They’ve Mastered the Art of the One-Score Win
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in September, the Broncos were 1-2, with both losses coming on last-second field goals-one to the Colts, the other to the Chargers.
They were close, but not quite there. Since then?
They haven’t lost a single game, and more importantly, they’ve been nailing the close ones.
That’s a massive shift from last season, when Denver couldn’t buy a win in tight games. Now, they’re closing the door when it counts.
That’s not luck-it’s growth. It’s poise.
It’s a team that’s learned how to win ugly, win late, and win under pressure.
Sure, penalties have been a lingering issue, and they haven’t always been clean. But what’s outweighed that?
Consistent quarterback play from Bo Nix in the clutch, a pass rush that keeps showing up, and a defense that knows how to finish. That combination travels-and it wins games in December and January.
2. The Remaining Schedule Is Manageable-and Winnable
Let’s talk about what’s left. The Broncos still have all three AFC West rivals on the schedule-Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers-plus matchups against the Packers and Jaguars. None of those teams are pushovers, but none are playing at Denver’s level right now either.
Start with the division. The Raiders are still trying to find their footing, the Chargers are banged up and struggling in the trenches, and the Chiefs-while still dangerous-haven’t looked like the dominant force we’ve seen in past years. Kansas City has been vulnerable in one-score games, and their roster doesn’t have the same top-to-bottom strength it once did.
As for the non-division opponents? The Jaguars have been inconsistent, especially at quarterback, and the Packers have shown a tendency to play down to their competition. These are all teams with flaws-flaws that Denver is built to exploit.
At this point in the season, you are what your record says you are. And the Broncos are 10-2 for a reason.
3. The Defense Is Still the Backbone
Yes, Sunday’s game against Washington was far from the defense’s best effort. Marcus Mariota and Kliff Kingsbury had a game plan that worked, and credit to them-they executed it well. But one off day doesn’t erase what this defense has been all season: elite.
This is still one of the best pass-rushing units in the league, and they’ve been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all year. They don’t just get sacks-they create chaos.
They close games. They flip momentum.
And more often than not, they’ve been the difference between a win and a loss.
Even with the occasional hiccup, this group has the kind of talent and cohesion that wins in December. They’ve proven they can carry the load when the offense sputters, and they’ve consistently made game-changing plays when the team needs them most.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are rolling, and they’re doing it with a formula that holds up under pressure: smart, timely quarterback play, a defense that can dominate, and a knack for winning the close ones. That’s the DNA of a playoff team-and potentially one that could make some serious noise in January.
With five games left, the path is there. The opponents are beatable.
The momentum is real. And if this team keeps playing the way it has, don’t be surprised if they finish the regular season without another loss.
Denver’s not just winning-they’re learning how to close. And that might be the most dangerous thing of all.