Denver Broncos: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The Denver Broncos were established as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. ​Making their inaugural Super Bowl appearance in 1977 (Super Bowl XII), they were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys. ​The arrival of quarterback John Elway in 1983 marked a significant turning point for the franchise, leading to multiple Super Bowl appearances and back-to-back championships in the late 1990s. ​

The Broncos secured consecutive Super Bowl victories in the 1997 (Super Bowl XXXII) and 1998 (Super Bowl XXXIII) seasons. ​In the 2015 season, the Broncos won Super Bowl 50, defeating the Carolina Panthers. ​Linebacker Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50 for his outstanding defensive performance. ​In 2024, rookie quarterback Bo Nix made history by becoming the first rookie in Broncos history to be named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. With their iconic Mile High Magic chants and Orange Crush spirit, the Broncos fandom is one of a kind.

Overview of the Denver Broncos

Historical Background of the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos' journey to NFL prominence began in the early years with a series of playoff appearances and key player contributions. The franchise’s first significant playoff success came in 1977, when the Broncos made their first AFC Championship appearance, ultimately losing to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. This marked the beginning of a competitive era for the team, with the "Orange Crush Defense" becoming a defining feature of the Broncos' early years.

The franchise’s real breakthrough came with the arrival of John Elway in 1983. Elway, drafted by the Broncos, would go on to become the face of the franchise, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. After several years of playoff heartbreak, Elway finally guided the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory in 1997, defeating the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. This win, coupled with their victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, cemented the Broncos' status as one of the league's elite teams. Elway’s leadership, combined with the outstanding performance of running back Terrell Davis, who was named Super Bowl MVP in 1997, made the late 1990s a golden era for the franchise.

In addition to Elway and Davis, other notable players from the Broncos' early years, such as Floyd Little and Gene Mingo, helped lay the foundation for the team's success. These players, along with the Broncos' eventual dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s, shaped the team into a Super Bowl contender, earning the franchise its place in NFL history.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• The Broncos have won eight American Football Conference (AFC) championships and three Super Bowls -1998, 1999, and 2016.
• The Broncos have been one of pro football's biggest winners since the merger of the American and National Football Leagues in 1970.
• In their 14th season in 1973, the Broncos under Coach John Ralston finished 7-5-2 for their first winning season ever. Thus started a trend that saw the Broncos fall below the .500 mark only three times in the next 20 seasons.
• The Broncos captured their first world championship with a victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII.

• With a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, Denver accomplished what only five other teams had achieved — back-to-back Super Bowl championships.
• With the signing of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning in 2012, the Broncos remained extremely competitive in the football world until his retirement in 2016.
• In his four seasons with the Broncos, they appeared in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers 24-10.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Patrick Surtain II (Cornerback): Surtain had an exceptional year, earning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award—the first Bronco to do so since 1978. Recording 45 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six against the Raiders.
• Quinn Meinerz (Guard): Meinerz's performance on the offensive line earned him a spot on the AP First-Team All-Pro.

• Marvin Mims Jr. (Wide Receiver/Punt Returner): Mims led the NFL with a 15.7-yard punt return average among players with at least 10 returns.
• Bo Nix (Quarterback): In his rookie season, Nix threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a 10–7 record and their first playoff appearance since 2015.
• Nik Bonitto (Linebacker): Bonitto's pass-rushing prowess resulted in a second-team All-Pro selection and a starting spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.

Major Rivalries of the Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs

The Broncos ended a 16-game losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs with a 24–9 victory at home. In a closely contested game at Arrowhead Stadium, the Broncos trailed 16–14 late in the fourth quarter. With the Chiefs resting key starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Broncos secured a dominant 38–0 shutout victory in Denver.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Broncos snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Las Vegas Raiders with a 34–18 win in Denver. Denver achieved a 29–19 victory in Las Vegas, marking their first road win against the Raiders since 2015 and completing a season sweep.

Los Angeles Chargers

While not as bitter as their rivalries with the Chiefs or Raiders, the Broncos-Chargers matchup has gained intensity over the years. Denver has historically owned the series, but Philip Rivers and the Chargers provided plenty of thrilling battles in the 2000s and 2010s. In recent years, Justin Herbert has turned this into a high-powered QB duel, with the Broncos’ defense aiming to contain his explosive offense. The rivalry is fueled by close games, divisional stakes, and a history of memorable finishes.

New England Patriots

Unlike their AFC West rivalries, the Broncos-Patriots feud was built on legendary quarterback matchups. John Elway vs. Drew Bledsoe in the 1990s and, more famously, Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady in the 2000s and 2010s defined this rivalry. The Broncos played spoiler to Brady’s Super Bowl runs, handing him multiple playoff defeats, including the AFC Championship Games in 2005, 2013, and 2015. Even without Manning or Brady, this remains a marquee matchup whenever the two teams meet.

Major Contracts of the Denver Broncos in 2025

​As of now, the Denver Broncos have made several significant roster moves to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming NFL season. Here's an overview of their major contracts:​

• Patrick Surtain II (Cornerback): On September 4, 2024, Surtain inked a four-year, $96 million contract extension, with $77.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. 
• Evan Engram (Tight End): The Broncos bolstered their offense by signing Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract, including $16.5 million guaranteed. 
• Talanoa Hufanga (Safety): Denver secured Hufanga's talents with a three-year, $45 million deal, averaging $15 million annually. 
• Dre Greenlaw (Inside Linebacker): Greenlaw joined the Broncos on a three-year, $35 million contract, reflecting the team's commitment to enhancing their defensive lineup. 
• Mike McGlinchey (Right Tackle): McGlinchey carries the team's highest cap hit for 2025 at $23.775 million, underscoring his pivotal role in protecting the quarterback and anchoring the offensive line. ​
• Courtland Sutton (Wide Receiver): Sutton's cap hit for 2025 stands at $20.2 million, reflecting his status as a key offensive weapon for the Broncos. 
• Zach Allen (Defensive End): Allen's cap hit is $19.795 million, highlighting his importance in the Broncos' defensive front. 
• Ben Powers (Guard): Powers has a cap hit of $17.425 million in 2025, playing a crucial role in the interior offensive line.
• Jonathon Cooper (Outside Linebacker): Cooper's cap hit is $11.345 million, reflecting his contributions to the Broncos' pass rush.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

​As of March 31, 2025, the Denver Broncos' projected starting lineup is as follows:​

Offense

• Quarterback: Bo Nix​
• Running Back: Jaleel McLaughlin​
• Fullback: Michael Burton​
• Wide Receiver 1: Courtland Sutton​
• Wide Receiver 2: Marvin Mims Jr.​
• Slot Wide Receiver: Troy Franklin​
• Tight End: Evan Engram​
• Left Tackle: Garett Bolles​
• Left Guard: Ben Powers​
• Center: Lloyd Cushenberry III​
• Right Guard: Quinn Meinerz​
• Right Tackle: Mike McGlinchey​

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Zach Allen​
• Nose Tackle: D.J. Jones​
• Right Defensive End: John Franklin-Myers​
• Outside Linebacker (OLB) 1: Nik Bonitto​
• Inside Linebacker (ILB) 1: Dre Greenlaw​
• Inside Linebacker (ILB) 2: Josey Jewell​
• Outside Linebacker (OLB) 2: Baron Browning​
• Cornerback 1: Patrick Surtain II​
• Cornerback 2: Damarri Mathis​
• Free Safety: Talanoa Hufanga​
• Strong Safety: Caden Sterns​

Special Teams

• Kicker: Wil Lutz​
• Punter: Riley Dixon​
• Long Snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer​
• Kick Returner: Marvin Mims Jr.​
• Punt Returner: Marvin Mims Jr.

The Schedule of the Denver Broncos in 2025

The full NFL schedule will be released in May 2025. Below are the known opponents based on the NFL’s rotating schedule format and divisional matchups.

Home Opponents

• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tennessee Titans
• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Green Bay Packers

Away Opponents

• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Commanders
• New York Jets