If you’re still looking at the Denver Broncos defense fantasy value through the lens of that 70-point nightmare in Miami back in 2023, you’ve basically already lost your league. Seriously. It’s time to let it go. Since that historic collapse, Vance Joseph has quietly—well, maybe not so quietly if you’re a Chargers fan—built a monster in the Mile High City.
By the time the 2024 season wrapped, Denver wasn't just "good." They were leading the NFL in sacks with 63. That is a franchise record, by the way. They also finished third in the league in points allowed, giving up only 18.3 per game. For fantasy managers, that kind of floor is gold. But going into 2026, the narrative is shifting from "surprising sleeper" to "consensus elite," and that’s where things get tricky.
Why the Denver Broncos Defense Fantasy Value is Sky-High Right Now
Most people look at a defense and see a collective unit, but fantasy is about individual disruptors who force the math in your favor. In Denver, that starts with the pass rush. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper aren't exactly household names outside of Colorado, but they combined for 24 sacks in 2024. Bonitto, specifically, has developed this twitchy, speed-to-power move that makes veteran tackles look like they're wearing skates.
Then there’s the Pat Surtain II effect.
Surtain was named the 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year. He doesn't just "cover" receivers; he deletes them from the game plan. For fantasy, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he doesn't get many targets, so his interception numbers might look lower than a "ball hawk" like DaRon Bland. On the other hand, he forces quarterbacks to hold the ball a split second longer. That split second is why Denver’s sack numbers are so inflated.
The Broncos also got aggressive in the 2025 offseason, bringing in guys like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga from San Francisco. Adding that 49ers pedigree to a unit that already ranked 8th in DVOA is a scary thought for the rest of the AFC West.
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The Metrics That Actually Matter
If you’re drafting for 2026, don’t just look at "points against." Look at the Havoc Rate. Denver’s ability to create negative plays—tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and sacks—is what separates them.
- Sack Production: They led the league with 63 in 2024. Even if that regresses slightly, they are a top-5 lock.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Under Joseph, they’ve become incredibly stingy. They ranked 3rd in rushing defense (91.1 yards per game) which means teams can't just bully them at the goal line.
- Takeaways: They had 50 takeaways over the last two seasons. That’s consistent ball-hawking.
The "Vance Joseph" Factor: From Scapegoat to Genius
It’s kinda funny how quickly the vibe changed around Vance Joseph. A couple of years ago, fans wanted him left on the tarmac. Now? He’s ranked as a top-4 defensive coordinator by places like Pro Football Network. His scheme is aggressive. He’s not sitting back in a soft shell; he’s bringing heat from everywhere.
The Broncos' defense is built on a "Defense+" metric that emphasizes passer rating allowed and interceptions per game. In 2024, they led the league in this metric. When you have a coordinator who isn't afraid to blitz a nickel corner like Ja'Quan McMillian, you get those "boom" weeks in fantasy that win you matchups.
Honestly, the arrival of Bo Nix on the other side of the ball helped more than people realize. Because the offense became efficient and stopped turning the ball over (Nix had a solid 5.1% TD rate and kept the chains moving), the defense wasn't exhausted by the fourth quarter. A rested Denver Broncos defense fantasy unit is a dangerous one.
Potential Red Flags for 2026
Is it all sunshine and mountain air? Not quite. There are a few things that could trip you up:
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- The Schedule: The AFC West is never easy. Even if the Raiders are struggling, playing Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year each is a gauntlet.
- Free Agency Losses: Keep an eye on John Franklin-Myers. He’s been a stud on that line, but he might command more money than Denver can swing in 2026. If he walks, the interior pressure might take a hit.
- Injury Regression: Alex Singleton is a tackle machine (84.5 tackles in 2025 despite some missed time), but he’s getting older. If the linebacker depth gets tested, that elite run defense might soften.
How to Value Them in Your Draft
Don't be the person who reaches for a defense in the 8th round. Just don't. I don't care if they have prime Lawrence Taylor; the opportunity cost is too high.
However, the Denver Broncos defense fantasy profile suggests they are one of the few units worth a "premium" late-round pick. If you can snag them in the 13th or 14th round, you’re getting a unit that has a legitimate chance to finish as the #1 overall DST. Draft Sharks already has them projected as the top unit for 2026 with a ceiling of 152 points.
Compare that to a "streaming" strategy where you’re constantly burning waiver priority on the Titans or Commanders. Having a "set it and forget it" defense like Denver allows you to use those bench spots for high-upside wide receivers instead.
The Return Game Bonus
Don't forget the special teams. Marvin Mims Jr. had a bit of a "down" year offensively in 2025, but he’s still a threat every time he touches the ball on a kickoff. If your league settings reward return yards or return touchdowns to the DST, Denver gets a massive boost. Riley Moss has also shown he can be a factor in the return game. Those "hidden" points often determine who makes the playoffs.
Actionable Steps for Fantasy Managers
If you want to capitalize on this, you need to watch the 2026 NFL Draft results. If Denver follows through on mock drafts and selects a high-upside interior lineman like Caleb Banks from Florida, it’s a signal they are doubling down on the "win in the trenches" philosophy.
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Check your league's scoring settings. If your league heavily penalizes yards allowed, Denver is a top-tier play (2nd in yards allowed per game at 274.0). If it’s all about turnovers and sacks, they are still elite, but you might want to hedge with a secondary unit during their bye week.
Stop treating the Broncos like a middle-of-the-pack unit. They’ve proven they are elite. The stats back it up, the coaching is stable, and the personnel is only getting better with veteran additions like Greenlaw.
Keep an eye on the training camp reports regarding Dre Greenlaw’s recovery and the development of rookie cornerbacks like Jahdae Barron. If the secondary stays healthy, this unit will be the backbone of championship fantasy rosters in 2026.
Focus on the sack-heavy matchups early in the season. Denver excels against young, statuesque quarterbacks. If they open the season against a struggling offensive line or a rookie QB, they are a "must-start" regardless of the point spread.