The Denver Broncos are on a tear-and it’s not just the best stretch of their season. It’s the best run they’ve had under Sean Payton since he took over as head coach in 2023.
With 10 straight wins and an 11-2 record, the Broncos are sitting atop the NFL standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season. That’s not just impressive-it’s a statement.
But not everyone is convinced this team is the full package.
On a recent episode of his podcast, former Seahawks star and “Legion of Boom” cornerstone Richard Sherman voiced some skepticism about Denver’s offense. While the Broncos have been stacking wins, Sherman isn’t sold on the unit’s ability to threaten top-tier defenses-especially as the team prepares for a matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
“The Packers just had a really physical division game,” Sherman said. “And I think they'll look at things from this Raiders tape and understand that this Broncos offense, they aren't world beaters.
They can be stopped. Bo Nix can be stopped.”
Sherman didn’t hold back. He pointed to Denver’s young quarterback and suggested that if Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley dials up the pressure, it could force the rookie into making costly mistakes.
“I like Harvey,” Sherman added, “but I don't think there's anything about this Broncos offense that scares defenses. And if I'm Jeff Hafley, I'm looking to be really aggressive, and go after this young quarterback and see if we can get him to make a mistake.”
It’s a fair critique, and one that reflects what’s been evident all season: this Broncos team is winning with defense first.
Through Week 14, Denver ranks fourth in total defense, giving up just 282 yards and 18.1 points per game. That’s elite territory. The defense has been the backbone of this team-keeping games close, creating turnovers, and giving the offense just enough breathing room to get by.
While Bo Nix has shown flashes of promise, it’s clear the offense is still developing. The Broncos aren’t blowing teams out-they’re grinding out wins, leaning on their physicality and discipline. That formula works in the regular season, but come playoff time, when margins shrink and defenses tighten, the offense will need to find another gear.
Still, the Broncos are in the driver’s seat in the AFC West, and that’s no small feat-especially considering who they just left in the rearview mirror.
For the first time since 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be winning the division. Their 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday officially knocked them out of the AFC West race. It’s a seismic shift in the landscape of the division, and Sean Payton addressed it during his Monday media availability.
“Everything right now has that work in progress sign,” Payton said. “I recognize the question and that the Chiefs lost last night, that eliminated them from winning the division, and yet, we've got a stretch here with some real good football teams coming in.”
Payton made it clear-while the Chiefs’ fall from the top is notable, the focus in Denver is on what lies ahead.
“Focusing on what we can do to win the division,” he continued. “The Chargers are very much alive in that battle.
And then, furthermore, what we can do to give ourselves the best feed possible. And I think I've said that a number of times.”
Translation: job’s not done.
The Los Angeles Chargers, at 8-4, are still within striking distance. But with the way Denver’s defense is playing and the momentum they’ve built, the Broncos are in prime position to close this out. If Bo Nix and the offense can take a step forward down the stretch, this team could be more than just a feel-good story-they could be a real playoff threat.
For now, the Broncos are proving that defense still wins games in the NFL. And if they can keep this run going, they might just prove it wins divisions, too.