NFL Denver Broncos: Contender or Pretender in 2025?

Seven straight wins. Top of the AFC. The NFL Denver Broncos are suddenly the hottest team in the NFL 2025 season. But not everyone’s buying the hype.

After scraping past the Raiders 10-7 on Thursday Night Football, Denver extended its win streak to seven, tying New England for the longest active run in the league. 

But as the competition stiffens, one question looms: are the Broncos true contenders or just riding a lucky streak?

Breaking Down the Win Streak

Winning seven in a row looks impressive on paper. Until you dig deeper. Denver’s victims during that stretch (Bengals, Eagles, Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Texans, Raiders) combine for a brutal 18-39-1 record. Only one of those teams, the Eagles, even has a winning record.

Even worse? The wins have been razor-thin.

• 13-11 vs Jets
• 33-32 vs Giants
• 10-7 vs Raiders

Five of the seven victories came by four points or less. Those aren’t dominant wins. They’re survival acts. And survival doesn’t usually cut it in December football.

What is Next for Denver?

Denver’s upcoming schedule? No more freebies

The next seven weeks bring matchups with the Chiefs (twice), Chargers, Commanders, Raiders, Packers, and Jaguars, five of which are winning teams. For context, Denver’s last seven opponents? Only one had a winning record, as we mentioned.

And speaking of the Chiefs, that’s been a nightmare matchup. Denver has gone 2-17 in their last 19 meetings with Kansas City. One of those wins came when the Chiefs rested their starters.

If Denver wants to stay in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed, they’ll need to finally exorcise that Mahomes-sized demon.

Playoff Math: The Margin is Thin

The Broncos currently sit at 8-2. That’s good, but not safe.

• 3 more wins likely lock a playoff spot.
• 2 or fewer could mean watching January football from the couch.
  

The must-win games? Raiders and Commanders, both beatable. Nail those, and steal one from a contender like the Chargers or Jags, and Denver punches their postseason ticket.

One Seed Dreams

Here’s the harsh truth: if Denver wants the #1 seed, they can probably afford to lose just once more.

Last season, Kansas City took the AFC crown at 15-2. To match that pace, the Broncos need to finish 14-3 or better. A 13-4 finish might earn a playoff berth, but it won’t top the Bills or Patriots for conference supremacy.

The bottom line? Denver’s margin for error is razor-thin, and the hardest stretch of their season is just beginning.

Final Whistle: The BullRush Sports Breakdown

The Broncos are walking a tightrope between legit contender and overhyped pretender. Seven straight wins can’t be ignored, but shaky opponents and close finishes raise real questions.

If Denver can prove themselves against the Chiefs and hold the line against playoff-level teams, they’ll silence the doubters. Until then, the jury’s still out.

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NFL Denver Broncos: FAQs

Q: Are the Broncos really the best team in the AFC?
On paper, maybe. In reality, they still need a statement win against elite competition.

Q: Can Denver beat the Chiefs this season?
History says no. But streaks are made to be broken. If they can finally beat Kansas City, the AFC should take notice.

Q: How many wins do the Broncos need to make the playoffs?
Three more should do it. Two might not be enough in a stacked AFC.

Q: What’s holding Denver back from true contender status?
Close calls, inconsistency, and a lack of signature wins. That needs to change fast.

Q: Where can I compete in NFL contests for real cash?
Right here at BullRush Sport: pick your players, predict outcomes, and prove your football instincts for cash rewards.