Early 2026 NFL Power Rankings have the Denver Broncos ranked high

After a thrilling Super Bowl that saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerge victorious over the Kansas City Chiefs, football fans across the country are already looking ahead to next season. And in the “way-too-early” power rankings, one team that is garnering a lot of attention is the Denver Broncos.

Despite finishing the 2020 season with a 5-11 record and missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, the Broncos are being viewed as a team on the rise. Head coach Vic Fangio has instilled a disciplined and hard-nosed mentality in his players, and with a talented roster that includes young stars like Drew Lock, Jerry Jeudy, and Bradley Chubb, the future looks bright in Denver.

One of the biggest reasons for the Broncos’ optimism heading into next season is the hiring of new general manager George Paton. Paton, who spent the last 14 years in the front office of the Minnesota Vikings, is widely regarded as one of the top talent evaluators in the league. His track record of success in the draft and free agency has Broncos fans excited about the possibilities for their team in the coming years.

In addition to Paton’s arrival, the Broncos made some key moves in the offseason to bolster their roster. They added veteran cornerback Kyle Fuller and running back Mike Boone in free agency, and used their first-round pick in the draft to select cornerback Patrick Surtain II out of Alabama. These additions, along with the return of key players who missed significant time due to injury last season, have many experts believing that the Broncos are poised to make a run at the playoffs in 2021.

Another factor working in the Broncos’ favor is their schedule for next season. According to early projections, Denver will have one of the easier schedules in the league, based on the records of their opponents from last season. With matchups against teams like the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets on the docket, the Broncos will have plenty of opportunities to rack up wins and improve their playoff chances.

Of course, the success of the Broncos next season will ultimately hinge on the performance of their young quarterback, Drew Lock. Lock showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season in 2019, but struggled with consistency and decision-making in 2020. If he can take a step forward in his development and become a more reliable signal-caller, the Broncos’ offense could be a force to be reckoned with.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos will be looking for players like Bradley Chubb and Von Miller to return to their Pro Bowl form. Chubb missed significant time last season with a knee injury, while Miller sat out the entire year with an ankle injury. If both players can stay healthy and return to their dominant ways, the Broncos’ defense could once again be one of the best in the league.

In addition to the on-field performance of the players, the coaching staff will also play a crucial role in the Broncos’ success next season. Vic Fangio is known for his defensive acumen, but questions remain about his ability to manage a game and make in-game adjustments. If Fangio can improve in these areas and put his players in the best position to succeed, the Broncos could be a dangerous team in 2021.

Overall, the future looks bright for the Denver Broncos as they head into the 2021 season. With a talented roster, a promising young quarterback, and a favorable schedule, the Broncos have all the ingredients for a successful season. If everything falls into place and the team can stay healthy, there’s no reason why the Broncos can’t make a run at the playoffs and potentially even compete for a Super Bowl title. Only time will tell if the Broncos can live up to the hype in the “way-too-early” power rankings, but one thing is for certain – football fans in Denver have plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming season.

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Source: Mile High Report