NFL insider names Denver Broncos as biggest threat to Chiefs' AFC West dominance heading into 2025 season
Broncos grit and culture fuel their ascent (Image credit: Instagram/X)
Could the Chiefs' AFC West reign finally be in jeopardy? According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Denver Broncos aren't just trending upward—they might be the team best positioned to knock off Patrick Mahomes and his teammates.
With fresh energy, tough practices, and a belief that's turning heads, Denver is no longer just rebuilding—they're coming.
Denver Broncos' grit and culture fuel their ascent
Albert Breer, writing for Sports Illustrated, singled out the Broncos as the top threat to Kansas City's eight-year division dominance. Despite rising expectations for the Chargers and Raiders, it's Sean Payton's group in Denver that's earned the most respect this offseason. 'I think the Broncos might be emerging as the Chiefs' top threat,' Breer wrote.
The confidence isn't just about roster upgrades—it's about culture. 'I saw the gassers they ran and the two-and-a-half-hour practice they scheduled,' Breer explained. 'It's hard for me to see a group that's bought in the way this one is to backslide.' Denver's 10-win 2024 season wasn't a fluke—and the league is taking notice.
Sean Payton, now entering his third season with the Broncos, emphasized the team's mentality and standards.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Godrej Majesty | Luxurious 3 & 4 BHK Homes at ₹2.39 Cr*
Godrej Majesty
Learn More
Undo
'I think they have a high standard of how they see themselves, and where we can be,' he was quoted as saying in the Denver Post. His coaching continuity and discipline are proving to be a catalyst for belief across the roster.
All eyes on Bo Nix and Denver's defensive core
Key to Denver's rise is the defense, led by Vance Joseph, which has become a physically imposing and mentally sharp unit. On offense, rookie QB Bo Nix is surrounded with talent and guidance, positioned to make a leap.
With Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Javonte Williams, the pieces are quietly aligning.
Meanwhile, Kansas City remains the division favorite—but cracks are forming. The offense, while potent, struggled with consistency last season, and offseason departures have tightened the margin. That leaves a narrow opening for a surging Denver team hungry for a power shift in the West.
Also read:
Patrick Mahomes' Super Bowl shame reignites debate — Is he still the NFL's most feared quarterback?
The NFL has already circled the Broncos-Chiefs rivalry with a Christmas Day rematch set at Arrowhead. That clash could end up deciding the division—and perhaps signaling a new AFC West era. If Breer is right, the Broncos aren't just chasing the Chiefs anymore. They're coming for the crown.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'This is too much': Cardi B threw a Father's Day shoutout to Stefon Diggs
(Image via Stefon Diggs IG) Cardi B knows a thing or two about illuminating the internet, and last Father's Day, she did exactly that. On Sunday, June 15, the Bronx-bred rapper blew up social media with a histrionic Instagram story. It was an ode to NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs but a fan wrote, 'This is too much.' In the since-viral post, Diggs is smiling in front of gigantic baby-blue balloons and a prominent, white "DAD" signage. The internet was immediately on the case, with fans analyzing the post with every scrutiny. Without word from either party, speculation ran rampant. Cardi B putting Stefon Diggs' 'DAD' display heard around the internet The display may have only lived on Cardi's Instagram for 24 hours, but the buzz it created will last much longer. Fans were quick to label it the 'ultimate wifey move.' Check out the post made on Instagram by the page it' Some believe the display was Cardi's way of publicly claiming Diggs as her man. Fans think it's just another over-the-top romantic gesture in Cardi's playbook. Though the "DAD" post may be the most attention-grabbing display of affection so far, the Cardi-Diggs relationship has been simmering for months. Cardi went Instagram official with their relationship on June 1, 2025, in a yacht photo and flirtatious video. They had already been caught together several times prior to that. Stefon Diggs is in the spotlight this time, but it isn't with the rapper After a rollercoaster year, the former Bills and Texans star is entering a new NFL chapter with the New England Patriots. He was traded in March 2025 and signed a three-year deal worth up to $69 million with incentives. But the wide receiver's career is now in rehabilitation mode. Diggs tore an ACL during Week 8 of the 2024 season with Houston. Although he's said to be ahead of schedule and training at full speed, he's been restricted in minicamp. Everyone waits for his return in July 2025 when training camp commences. Also Read: 'Slim Trav bout to kill this season': Kansas City Chiefs key TE Travis Kelce returns to practice for his 13th NFL season | NFL News - Times of India Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Alex Freeman breaks through with US football team, 27 years after father Antonio won Super Bowl
Antonio Freeman had tears in his eyes when 20-year-old son Alex walked onto the field for his U.S. debut against Turkey on June 7. 'It just gives me chills,' the former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion said. 'He has on a USA jersey. He's representing his country. That's probably the top level of recognition you could possibly get.' With Sergiño Dest still regaining fitness after a torn ACL, Freeman started at right back on Sunday in the Americans' opening win over Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He is among the young players hoping to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino as he considers next year's World Cup roster. Freeman's ascent has been unexpected. He played just 11 minutes of first-team league football before this season. ALSO READ | Club World Cup 2025: Nearly 1.5 million tickets sold, FIFA says 'Alex, to be honest, I had no idea who you were before you got called up,' American midfielder Luca de la Torre said Tuesday, turning toward Freeman and smiling during a news conference. Now 53, Antonio played nine seasons in the NFL, making the All-Pro team in 1998 and winning the 1997 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. 'Growing up I always got asked if football was the path, but when I was younger I always had a secret love for soccer,' Alex said. He also played basketball as a kid. Alex's mom rejects the notion she directed him away from American football. 'The real story is Alex didn't want to play football and he didn't want to tell his dad that,' Rochelle Hinkle said. 'They all use me as an excuse. He just wanted to make his own lane and his own path. He didn't have, I guess, the words to say it then.' Alex played for youth teams at Weston FC, near his home in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation. He wanted to play for Inter Miami's youth academy but was turned down. Freeman then was recruited for Orlando City's academy by Javier Carrillo, his former Weston coach. 'Without him taking me in, maybe I might not be where I am today,' Alex said. 'Obviously moving at the age of 15 was something that was hard for me, being away from my family and everything, but I feel like it made me grow up fast and I feel that that's something that I needed to do.' He moved to Orlando in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. 'I still have PTSD from that 'cause I wasn't done raising him,' his mother said. ALSO READ | Hard Rock Stadium tightens security after chaotic scene at Copa America Freeman debuted for Orlando City B in the third-tier MLS Next Pro on March 26, 2022, and played his first match for the senior team in Major League Soccer on April 29, 2023, entering in second-half stoppage time. He had two more substitute MLS appearances last year, totalling 10 minutes, then took over as starting right back this season from Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. 'Alex is player with little experience, but in soccer the desire, the capacity and the talent usually rise above experience,' Pochettino said. 'The reports we got on him were really good.' Freeman is competing for likely two right back roster spots with Dest, Joe Scally, Nathan Harriel, Bryan Reynolds, Shaq Moore and Marlon Fossey. Pochettino envisions narrowing his focus from a current group of 60 players when he makes roster selections for autumn friendlies. 'These camps, these games, I feel like it's just motivation for me to earn Pochettino's trust,' Freeman said. Alex credits his dad for teaching him training, eating and lifestyle habits. Years ago, they used to kick around a ball together. Not anymore. 'At that point I realized: You're going to hurt yourself out here,' Antonio said. 'We might shoot around some basketballs in the backyard, shoot some three-pointers or something, but nothing soccer related.'
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Reddit ropes in Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador
Social media platform Reddit on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) announced Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. Sports fans will now have exclusive opportunities to engage with Tendulkar in Reddit communities, the company said in a statement. Through his official Reddit profile, batting icon Tendulkar will share personal reflections, match insights, and exclusive content. "In the coming months, Tendulkar will also appear in a new marketing campaign for Reddit in India as well as other markets throughout the world," the statement said. On his association with Reddit, Tendulkar said, "For me, cricket has always been about that pure connection with people, on and off the field. In getting to know Reddit, what stands out is the sheer passion that brings its communities together," Reddit Vice President International Growth, Durgesh Kaushik said. Kaushik said Tendulkar's name is synonymous with cricket excellence and he possesses a remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and unite people through his extraordinary talent. "His presence on the field fostered a powerful sense of community among fans, who were drawn together by their shared admiration for the 'Master Blaster'," he added. Reddit has been taking steps to tap sports amid a 30 per cent on-year rise in interest on this subject on its platform. Earlier this year, Reddit announced a partnership with Italian professional football league Serie A and last year, it announced a new partnership program with major US professional sports leagues, including NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour and Nascar, the company said.
