Denver Fans Confident Broncos Will Lead AFC in 2026

Addition of Jaylen Waddle and healthy RJ Harvey have Broncos fans optimistic about the team's chances.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Denver Broncos football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, orange, and white, capturing the team's dynamic energy and status as a top contender in the conference.The Broncos' high-powered offense and stifling defense are deconstructed into a dynamic, geometric composition, reflecting the team's status as the new powerhouse in the AFC.Denver Today

Broncos fans are feeling confident about their team's chances in the 2026 NFL season, with many believing the Broncos will be the team to beat in the AFC. The addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and the hope of a healthy RJ Harvey pairing with an improving running game have contributed to the high expectations. While the defense didn't see any major splashes, the potential move of Jonah Ellis to inside linebacker has fans intrigued. Head coach Sean Payton has downplayed the idea of 'running it back,' emphasizing the need to improve the team further, but media personality Colin Cowherd believes the Broncos have the strongest overall roster in the AFC West, if not the entire AFC.

Why it matters

The Broncos' success in the 2025 season, winning 11 of 13 one-score games, has raised expectations for the team in 2026. With a talented roster and a two-year window while quarterback Nix is still on his rookie contract, the Broncos are seen as the team to beat in the AFC, which will make winning games even harder as they try to build on their previous success.

The details

The Broncos' offseason moves, including the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and the potential move of linebacker Jonah Ellis to inside linebacker, have contributed to the high expectations for the team. Head coach Sean Payton has downplayed the idea of 'running it back,' emphasizing the need to improve the team further, but media personality Colin Cowherd believes the Broncos have the strongest overall roster in the AFC West, if not the entire AFC.

  • The Broncos won 11 of 13 one-score games in the 2025 season.
  • Head coach Sean Payton made his comments about not 'running it back' at the NFL annual meeting last week.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver who was added to the Broncos' roster this offseason.

RJ Harvey

A running back for the Broncos who is expected to pair with JK Dobbins in the backfield.

Jonah Ellis

A linebacker for the Broncos who may be moved to inside linebacker.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Colin Cowherd

A media personality who believes the Broncos have the strongest overall roster in the AFC West, if not the entire AFC.

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What they’re saying

“So it's not, 'Let's run it back.' I hate that term. It's not, 'Let's run it back.' Let's understand one thing: it is anything but that. When you win 11 of 13 one-score games, like you saw the flip in just one season with Kansas City. It's how do you improve your team. The better you get, the harder it is to improve your team.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“The Broncos' roster is strong, and the Waddle trade is evidence of the Broncos recognizing they have a two-year window while Nix is still on his rookie contract. With the addition of Waddle, many think like Cowherd that Denver has the strongest overall roster in the AFC West, possibly the AFC, and will the be the team to beat.”

— Colin Cowherd

What’s next

The Broncos will look to build on their success from the 2025 season and prove they are the team to beat in the AFC in 2026.

The takeaway

The Broncos' offseason moves and the high expectations from fans and media have set the stage for a potentially dominant 2026 season. However, as head coach Sean Payton emphasized, the team must continue to improve and not simply 'run it back' if they want to maintain their status as the team to beat in the AFC.