Sean Payton has yet to win a Week 1 game in Denver. Payton: "Any team really that’s been worth their salt has put a string of wins together. We need to start faster. [The] last two years we haven’t, but I like where we’re at right now."

But once again, the Denver Broncos will be relying on their rookie class to deliver much needed depth and upgrades in starting roles this season: CB Jahdae Barron, RB RJ Harvey, WR Pat Bryant, DL Sai'vion Jones and P Jeremy Crawshaw. Winning the season opener would be a massive boost to the Broncos' hopes of starting fast and playing deeper into the playoffs.

The Broncos have something going for them that most other teams don’t: a league-low roster turnover rate and they have upgraded starters and depth in the off season. Plus, they have: a top rated offensive line; a quarterback on a rookie contract who made big jumps in the second half of 2024; WR Courtland Sutton who was 12th in receiving TDs, fourth in red-zone targets, and second in end-zone targets; WR Marvin Mims' who’s 12.3 YAC led all WRs with 30+ targets; TE Evan Engram averaged a career-low 3.2 YAC in last year’s injury packed season but still outperformed the entire Bronco tight end room; and, a strong defense. Training Camp Watch The Broncos have perfect attendance at training camp. 1) Special-teams work will likely make a difference in determining backup roles at cornerback, safety, and likely impact running back, too. CB Kris Abrams-Draine and OLB Que Robinson should emerge into significant roles in this phase. 2) Wattenberg VS Forsyth. Do they keep rolling with Wattenberg in 2026 or do they let him go like Cushenberry? 3) RB RJ Harvey landed in Sean Payton’s offense which has a long history of productive fantasy backfields. Harvey needs to outshine veteran RB JK Dobbins to become Denver's lead back. 4) WR Pat Bryant (6' 2, 208) will push for starting snaps with his ability to win downfield with size and strength at the catch point. 5) OL developmental players 6) Safety depth players 7) CB Damarri Mathis, S Delarrin Turner-Yell, and DL Enyi Uwazurike: last chance to be Broncos? 8) RB Audric Estime, S JL Skinner, TE Lucas Krull: on the roster bubble? 9) With LB Drew Sanders out for extended time, who will step up or will the Broncos go the FA route?

Training Camp

July 28 the real training camp began with the pads going on and the acclimation days over. 1) Injuries are mounting at ILB, but fortunately ILB Levelle Bailey is stacking days. 2) WR Trent Sherfield does the dirty work and may become a contributor at wide receiver in addition to special teams. 3) RB Jaleel McLaughlin is the "change-of-pace-back" behind the top 2 of Dobbins and Harvey. He has gained 12 pounds without losing speed. RBs Badie, Estime and Watson are in a real competition for RB4 (if carried) and practice squad spots. 4) WR Troy Franklin is making progress in year 2, with Pat Bryant making it hard for him to really break out. 5) The Broncos’ offense is evolving to include wide zone runs. Dobbins’ forte is wide zone and counter and Harvey fits that scheme too. 6) UDFA WR Joaquinn Davis (6’ 4, 195) will be hard to cut with all the great catches he is making. 7) UDFA ILB Karene Reid has looked good and the injuries could give him a shot at the 53-man roster. 8) QB Bo Nix is very comfortable running the offense with increased quickness out of the huddle. He has good chemistry with TE Evan Engram and is also pushing the ball more down field than previously. 9) The defense is ahead of the offense but the offense usually counter punches.

Transactions

WR AT Perry to PUP. Extended WR Courtland Sutton with 4-year deal. IR’d Edge Johnny Walker. Signed DE/OLB Garrett Nelson. Cut CB Mario Goodrich.

Orangeman’s Take

It's fair to say that the O-line is the strength of the offense, that Nix has improved but still must grow as a quarterback, and that Denver’s backs and young receivers have a lot to prove in 2025. However, there is a lot of optimism in Broncos Country and expectations are high. They really need to get off to a quick start as the schedule gets tougher after the first two games. The timing of crucial games is also unkind. Denver’s depth will need to perform better than it did last year.

Fantasy Outlook

QB Bo Nix won’t have a sophomore slump but there isn’t much upside at his ADP. RB RJ Harvey is best drafted as a RB3 with RB2 upside. RB JK Dobbins’ value will depend on usage, but it should be similar to RB3. RB Jaleel McLaughlin will finally be able to play the role he is best suited for and will have his moments. The remaining backs are in tight competition, with Estime and Watson stacking days. WR Courtland Sutton is a WR2 and the rest are a crap-shoot with the way Nix spreads the ball around. However, Bryant and Franklin are stacking days and all will have roles. TE Evan Engram is a low end TE1. PK Wil Lutz will see fewer field goals as the offense will score more touchdowns. He also isn’t a good 50+ kicker anymore. Denver’s defense is top 5 at the least. With their depth at Edge they has a shot at keeping their #1 ranking in sacks.

End.