The AFC West has evolved into a battlefield of fierce competition and rapid transformation.
After a surprising 2024 season when both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers rebounded with double-digit wins and made the playoffs, expectations were high that a new power balance might be emerging to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, one prominent analyst isn’t buying into the hype just yet.
FOX Sports host Nick Wright recently delivered a sobering assessment of the Broncos’ prospects for the 2025 season.
“This is not me always being against the Broncos. My favorite under of the season is the Broncos this year. I think they’re going to end up being the worst team in that division,” Wright said on “First Things First.”
“My favorite under of the season is the Broncos this year. I think they’re going to end up being the worst team in this division.”@getnickwright thinks Bo Nix will take a step back this season: pic.twitter.com/EMGPeR0DVB
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 16, 2025
Wright’s projection represents a significant downgrade for the Broncos, who showed promising signs last season.
Though he sees the Chargers taking meaningful steps forward under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the Las Vegas Raiders making tangible improvements, Wright identifies several concerning factors for Denver.
He specifically pointed to limitations in its offensive arsenal, questioning whether the Broncos have enough playmaking talent to compete in critical moments.
More troubling, Wright expressed skepticism about quarterback Bo Nix, highlighting a pattern he’s observed with experienced but limited players who often shine initially before defenses adjust.
Despite Wright predicting the Broncos will target running back help in the 2025 NFL Draft, he doesn’t believe it will be enough to change their fortunes.
His final projection has Denver finishing with a 7-10 record, landing them at the bottom of a stacked division.
The concerns are also based on its challenging 2025 schedule, which features multiple tough matchups both within and outside the division.
To prove Wright wrong and secure a playoff berth, the Broncos will need to find ways to consistently perform against their formidable AFC West rivals while also handling other quality opponents.
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