Denver Broncos Fire Warning to Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs for 2025/26 NFL Season

The rivalry between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the most storied and intense in the NFL. Historically, the Broncos have been a team that has defined the AFC West, though recent years have seen the Chiefs dominate the division. With the 2025/26 NFL season on the horizon, the Broncos have made it clear: they are ready to challenge Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC West. The warning sent to the Chiefs is loud and clear – Denver is not backing down, and they are determined to wrestle away supremacy in the division.

The Broncos’ Rebuilding Process

The past few seasons for the Denver Broncos have been difficult. Despite having a franchise quarterback in Russell Wilson, the team has struggled with consistency and cohesion. The Broncos’ offense failed to reach expectations, and the defense, while talented, couldn’t always pick up the slack. However, the 2025 offseason has seen a renewed sense of purpose and optimism in Denver.

The hiring of a new head coach, combined with a strategic influx of talent on both sides of the ball, has given the Broncos a much-needed boost. Denver has quietly built one of the more talented rosters in the AFC West, and there’s a palpable sense that they are now poised to challenge the Chiefs for the division crown.

Key acquisitions during the offseason—particularly in the draft and free agency—have strengthened both the offensive and defensive units. The Broncos have added crucial pieces to their offensive line, improving the protection around Russell Wilson. More importantly, they’ve bolstered their receiving corps with young, dynamic playmakers who could provide Wilson with the weapons he needs to get back to his elite level of play.

Defensively, the Broncos have stacked their secondary and added depth to their defensive front. With a defense that has always been known for its physicality, they now have the tools to slow down high-powered offenses like that of the Chiefs.

The strategy is clear: build a well-rounded team that can match up with the Chiefs in all phases of the game. The Denver Broncos know they cannot rely solely on outscoring Kansas City. Instead, they must control the tempo, win battles in the trenches, and disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm.

The Patrick Mahomes Factor

There’s no denying the significance of Patrick Mahomes when discussing the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2025/26 season will mark his seventh year in the NFL, and Mahomes continues to be one of the most electrifying and dangerous quarterbacks in the league. His ability to make plays out of structure, his rocket arm, and his knack for leading game-winning drives are just a few of the reasons why the Chiefs have been so successful in recent years.

Mahomes, combined with head coach Andy Reid, has been the catalyst for a Chiefs offense that has been one of the most potent in NFL history. The Chiefs have made deep playoff runs year after year, consistently competing for championships. However, as the Broncos have improved, they are becoming a more formidable opponent for Mahomes and company.

One of the key ways the Broncos are positioning themselves to challenge Mahomes and the Chiefs is by focusing on creating a defensive scheme that can contain him. Mahomes is known for his ability to make plays under pressure and his ability to find open receivers when defenses break down. However, the Broncos have the personnel to make his life more difficult. Their pass rush, which was bolstered during the offseason, could be critical in forcing Mahomes to make quicker decisions and potentially disrupting the timing of the Chiefs’ offense.

Furthermore, the Broncos have made it a priority to build a defense capable of dealing with the wide variety of weapons Mahomes can lean on. With Tyreek Hill gone, the Chiefs’ receiving corps is still strong, with players like Travis Kelce continuing to be a top threat. However, the Broncos believe they have the secondary to match up against these weapons and limit Mahomes’ effectiveness when he’s forced to throw into tight windows.

The Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC West, but the Broncos’ defense is one of the few units capable of slowing Mahomes down, and their improvements in the offseason signal that they are intent on challenging his reign as the league’s most dangerous quarterback.

Denver’s Offensive Strategy to Counter the Chiefs

On the other side of the ball, the Denver Broncos must develop a game plan that keeps pace with Kansas City’s offense. While the Chiefs have a high-powered offense led by Mahomes, the Broncos have taken a multi-faceted approach to revitalize their offense.

Russell Wilson’s first season with the Broncos was rocky, but with a more dynamic coaching staff and new weapons in place, he will be looking to return to his former Pro Bowl-caliber play. The Broncos’ offense will focus on a balanced attack, combining the strengths of their rushing game with an improved passing offense.

With the addition of a stronger offensive line, the Broncos can give Wilson more time in the pocket to make reads and find receivers. The arrival of playmakers on the outside—such as a potential new star wide receiver—could stretch the field and give Wilson better options for both deep and intermediate passes.

Denver’s rushing attack, too, has the potential to be a difference-maker. The Broncos have one of the most underrated running backs in the league, who can grind out tough yardage while keeping the Chiefs’ offense off the field. A controlled, methodical offensive game plan is key to preventing Mahomes from being on the field too often, and a productive run game will help chew up clock and maintain possession.

In this high-stakes division rivalry, one of the key advantages Denver has over Kansas City is the element of surprise. While Mahomes and the Chiefs are formidable, the Broncos will come into the season with an offensive game plan that the Chiefs have not had the chance to fully study or adapt to, particularly after a rocky season the year before.

The AFC West Showdown

The AFC West has long been a division marked by fierce competition. While the Chiefs have enjoyed a period of dominance, their reign is not guaranteed forever. The Broncos, with their revamped roster, improved coaching staff, and growing sense of confidence, believe that 2025/26 will be their year to knock the Chiefs off their perch.

The upcoming season promises to deliver some of the most intense and competitive games in the NFL, with these two teams meeting head-to-head for what could be a pivotal matchup in determining division supremacy. The Broncos are coming into this season with the mindset that they have the talent, scheme, and determination to end the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West.

It is important to note that Kansas City’s own championship window is still wide open, with Mahomes continuing to lead a high-powered offense and Reid’s offensive genius at the helm. However, the emergence of the Broncos as legitimate contenders is something that cannot be ignored.

Denver’s defense, now stronger than ever, will challenge Mahomes’ offense in ways that other teams in the division have failed to do. On the other hand, the Broncos’ offense is determined to prove they can hang with the Chiefs in shootouts, and with Wilson looking to rediscover his MVP-caliber form, the Broncos have the potential to make every game a competitive contest.