Broncos not taking No. 1 seed for granted after uneven finish to regular season: 'We have to be sharper'

The Denver Broncos secured the AFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs despite finishing the 2025 regular season with inconsistent offensive performances. Head coach Sean Payton emphasized the need for improvement following a stretch where the team failed to score more than 20 points in their last three games. The Broncos ended their season with a 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, relying heavily on defense and special teams.

Quarterback Bo Nix has been pivotal, leading the league with seven game-winning drives and demonstrating an ability to perform in critical moments. However, the team is relatively inexperienced in the postseason, with key players such as Nix and running back RJ Harvey only in their early NFL careers. The Broncos will lean on veterans like offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, both of whom have Super Bowl experience, to guide them through the playoffs.

Denver's strong home record of 8-1 at Empower Field could be advantageous,