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DEN

AFC West

Denver Broncos

0-0Power Rank#70

AI Summary

Denver enters 2026 as one of the sport's most respected teams after a 14-3 season that ended one win short of the Super Bowl, with NFL.com and ESPN both slotting the Broncos among the league's top three teams in preseason power rankings. QB Bo Nix, who fractured his ankle in the divisional-round win over Buffalo, says he's fully healthy and unlimited entering camp, and new offensive coordinator Davis Webb takes over play-calling from Sean Payton while newly acquired WR Jaylen Waddle pairs with Courtland Sutton to upgrade the passing game. A center depth crisis has emerged in camp, with starter Luke Wattenberg and backup Alex Forsyth both banged up and third-stringer Michael Deiter lost for the season, pushing guard Calvin Throckmorton into the middle of the line. Despite the hype, oddsmakers have set Denver's win total at 9.5, well below last year's 14 wins, reflecting an expectation of some regression from a team that overperformed in 2025.

Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026

Key Storylines

  • QB Bo Nix, who fractured his ankle in the divisional-round win over Buffalo, says he's fully healthy with no limitations entering camp
  • Davis Webb promoted to offensive coordinator, taking play-calling duties from head coach Sean Payton
  • Traded a 2026 first-, third- and fourth-round pick to Miami for WR Jaylen Waddle to pair with Courtland Sutton
  • Center depth crisis in camp: Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth both banged up, Michael Deiter lost for the season, guard Calvin Throckmorton moved to center
  • NFL.com (No. 2) and ESPN (No. 3) preseason power rankings rate Denver among the league's elite despite a 9.5 win total that projects some regression from last year's 14-3 record

Injury Report

  • Michael Deiter · C

    Out for season

    Suffered a season-ending thigh injury during training camp, deepening Denver's center depth issues.

  • Luke Wattenberg · C

    Limited

    Starting center has missed significant camp practice time with an undisclosed injury; guard Calvin Throckmorton has taken first-team reps at center in his absence.

  • Alex Forsyth · C

    Limited

    Backup center has been working on the side rehab field during camp.

  • Levelle Bailey · LB

    Injured

    Suffered a fractured leg during the preseason win over Atlanta.

  • Jaylen Waddle · WR

    Limited

    Newly acquired via trade from Miami; working back toward full practice participation after an in-camp injury.