Expectations are extremely high for the Denver Broncos in 2026, not only because of the success the team saw last season but also because of how passionate the fan base is. Every season is seen as a disappointment if Denver fails to win the Super Bowl. One person in particular who also has high expectations for the Broncos this season is former NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who now works with NFL Network. McCoy recently appeared on the Rich Eisen Show and explained why he believes Denver can claim the title as AFC Champions. Now it’s time to analyze what Gerald McCoy stated and if he’s right or wrong.
Gerald McCoy Explains Why He Thinks the Broncos Will Win the AFC
McCoy Has Noticed Consistency from the Broncos in the Last Two Seasons
One of the main reasons Gerald McCoy is confident the Broncos can be successful is because of the major progress they have made since they made the playoffs for the first time in years during the 2024 season.
“With the consistency of what they’ve been, they made it to the playoffs Bo Nix’s rookie year, they loss [to the] Buffalo Bills, then they come back the next year one of the top teams in the NFL, won most of their close games, definitely great on the road, defending home field,” McCoy told Eisen when asked why he thinks the Broncos will win the AFC. “Then they get all the way to almost the AFC Championship, and they lose their quarterback, so we don’t even know what they would have looked like full strength.”
McCoy is indeed correct that the Broncos have a legitimate shot to win the AFC because ever since Nix took responsibility as quarterback, winning has become a commonality for the organization once again. It’s also safe to reiterate McCoy’s mention of the impact of Nix not being present because Denver is a much better team when its quarterback is healthy. If Nix wouldn’t have suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Divisional round, it’s not certain that the Broncos would have won the Super Bowl, but they definitely would have been playing in it.
Denver Should Have One of the NFL’s Best Wide Receiver Corps in 2026
Many fans may look at the Broncos roster and not see them as a team with a top-ten wide receiver in the league, but this team’s receiving core was skilled last season and has improved even more with the addition of Jaylen Waddle. Denver’s other receivers include Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and many more players who will be competing for a final roster spot.
Talent isn’t the issue with Denver’s current wide receiver room. Instead, it comes down to how consistently they all play and whether the group can stay healthy. Waddle and Sutton will most likely be the most targeted receivers, which means defenses will be more keyed in on both of them. This is why every other receiver needs to be at their best since the attention both star receivers bring will open up opportunities for others to make plays. If all of the Broncos receivers exceed expectations, this offense will be capable of torturing any defense across the league, and if that’s the case, they will win the AFC.
The Broncos’ Defense Will Also Determine Whether They Win the AFC or Not
Even though everyone in Broncos Country is excited about what the offense will do, they are even more excited about what the defense will accomplish. Denver had one of the best defenses in 2025, while players such as Pat Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, and Zach Allen are returning. On the other hand, some players will have to prove themselves not only to solidify their role as impact players, but also to take this defense to the next level, including Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, and Talanoa Hufanga.
Despite having one of the better defenses last season, the Broncos need to avoid becoming complacent at all costs. They certainly had their flaws last season, but it will be extremely helpful if they make adjustments and resolve what gaps need to be filled. The question at hand isn’t whether Denver’s defense will be just as good, but instead is how they can make even more progress. With the loss of John Franklin-Myers, rookie Tyler Onyedim can be another player who can come up big for the Broncos. Moreover, it doesn’t matter who starts on defense; it’s about how well they perform to help the team win the AFC and another Super Bowl.
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