DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos released Russell Wilson and drafted Bo Nix 12th overall in 2024, leading to a 10-7 season and their first playoff berth since 2015. Nix's rookie campaign featured 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, the second-most passing touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history, making his cards a breakout story for collectors. Denver followed with a franchise-tying 14-3 record in 2025, clinching the AFC West title and No. 1 seed before falling to New England 10-7 in the AFC Championship, with Nix suffering a broken ankle in overtime of the divisional round win that ended the Super Bowl run. Courtland Sutton remained the receiving leader with six Pro Bowl selections emerging from the playoff runs, while defensive standouts Patrick Surtain II, Quinn Meinerz, and Zach Allen earned All-Pro honors.

Where they stand: The team entered training camp in late July 2026 with veterans reporting on July 28 and the first full week of preseason beginning August 13. Denver traded first-, third-, and fourth-round picks to Miami for receiver Jaylen Waddle to address an offense that was 29th in the league in three-and-out drives, while re-signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year deal after he led the team in rushing in 2025. The Broncos open the 2026 season on the road at Kansas City on Monday Night Football in September.