Honestly, if you told a Broncos fan back in August that their team would spend the winter as the top seed in the AFC, they’d have probably asked what you were drinking. But here we are. After years of wandering through a metaphorical desert of losing seasons and quarterback carousels, the Mile High city finally saw a massive shift. People keep asking, what was the Broncos record last year, and the answer is a staggering 14-3.
That isn't just a "good" record. It tied the 1998 franchise record for the most wins in a single season. You remember 1998, right? Terrell Davis, John Elway, and a Super Bowl trophy. This 2025 campaign felt eerily similar in its dominance, even if the path there was a total rollercoaster.
The Rough 1-2 Start Nobody Remembers
It's funny how winning 11 games in a row makes everyone forget the beginning of the season. After an opening win against Tennessee, Denver dropped two straight on the road to the Colts and the Chargers. At 1-2, the local radio stations were already calling for heads to roll. Bo Nix was still finding his footing, and the defense hadn't quite gelled.
Then, Monday Night Football happened against Cincinnati.
Denver blew them out 28-3. That game served as the catalyst. Sean Payton, who has been under a microscope since he landed in Colorado, finally looked like the offensive wizard everyone paid for. They didn't just win; they bullied people.
Breaking Down the 14-3 Milestone
To understand how they hit that mark, you have to look at the "how" behind the wins. They weren't always pretty. In fact, a one-point win over the Jets (13-11) and a nail-biter against the Giants (33-32) showed a grit that this team simply didn't have in 2023 or 2024.
- Home Dominance: Denver went 8-1 at Empower Field at Mile High.
- The Streak: They ripped off 11 consecutive wins from late September through mid-December.
- Division Control: They went 5-1 in the AFC West, finally knocking the Chiefs off their perennial pedestal.
That Christmas Day win in Kansas City? That was the statement. Winning 20-13 at Arrowhead effectively handed Denver the division title and the #1 seed. It was the first time they’d claimed the AFC West since the 2015 season.
The Bo Nix Factor
You can't talk about the record without talking about the kid under center. Bo Nix finished the regular season with 3,931 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Those are elite numbers for a second-year player. He also added five rushing touchdowns, proving he’s more mobile than the "pocket passer" label some draft scouts gave him.
He had some stinkers, sure. The two-interception game against the Raiders in November was a reminder he’s still learning. But when the chips were down, like in the overtime thriller against Washington, he looked like a ten-year veteran.
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A Defense That Reclaimed "No Fly Zone" Vibes
While Nix got the headlines, the defense was the backbone. They finished the year ranked 3rd in points allowed, giving up just 18.3 points per game. Zach Allen was a monster on the interior, and Nik Bonitto finally had that breakout year we all expected, racking up 14 sacks.
And then there’s Patrick Surtain II. Teams basically stopped throwing to his side of the field by November. When you have a shutdown corner like that, it allows Vance Joseph to get creative with blitzes, and it worked to perfection.
Why This Record Matters for the Future
The 14-3 finish wasn't just about a single season. It ended a decade-long drought of not advancing past the first round of the playoffs. By securing the first-round bye, Denver ensured that the road to the Super Bowl goes through the thin air of Colorado.
If you're looking to track the team's progress or compare them to historical greats, keep an eye on these specific metrics from the 2025 season:
- Red Zone Efficiency: Denver ranked in the top 10 for the first time in years.
- Turnover Margin: They finished with a positive margin, largely thanks to a secondary that feasted on desperate quarterbacks.
- Strength of Schedule: Despite playing a "first-place" schedule, they maintained a win percentage of .824.
Basically, the Broncos are back. The 14-3 record isn't a fluke; it's the result of a long-term rebuild that finally hit its stride. If you want to keep up with their current playoff run, make sure to check the injury reports for the Divisional round matchup against Buffalo, as home-field advantage only matters if the key starters stay healthy.
Check out the latest official team stats at NFL.com to see how individual players like Courtland Sutton and J.K. Dobbins contributed to this historic run.