Should Broncos Fans Be Worried?

It’s Christmas in Denver, and the Broncos have delivered a gift to their fans: a hard-fought, gritty victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was anything but a masterpiece—messy, tense, and at times frustrating—but it was emblematic of the Broncos’ 2025 season. This team, led by head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix, has forged an identity not around dominant performances, but around finding ways to win, even when the path is littered with mistakes and missed opportunities.

The Broncos are now 13-3, matching Payton’s career-high for wins in a season and tying him with coaching legend Bill Belichick for five 13-win campaigns. Yet, as the playoff picture comes into focus, questions remain: Can this team’s “ugly win” formula hold up against the NFL’s elite? Or will the cracks exposed in close games become fatal flaws under postseason pressure?

Let’s dive into the details of Denver’s Christmas victory, the season’s defining moments, and what it all means for the Broncos’ playoff hopes.

Christmas Clash: Broncos Outlast Chiefs in an AFC West Slugfest

The holiday showdown between Denver and Kansas City was, in a word, weird. The Chiefs, missing several key starters—including Patrick Mahomes—leaned on third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, who managed to sound a little like Mahomes but couldn’t match his production. The Broncos, meanwhile, leaned on their formula: control the clock, run the ball, and hope for a few big plays.

Denver started strong, eating up clock with a 13-play drive that resulted in a field goal. The offense, led by Bo Nix, was methodical but lacked explosiveness early. The Chiefs responded with a touchdown drive after Nick Bolton intercepted a tipped Nix pass, highlighting Denver’s vulnerability to defensive playmakers.

The game was tight throughout, with neither offense able to break the 20-yard play barrier until late. The Broncos’ longest play was a 23-yard catch by Courtland Sutton, while the Chiefs’ longest was a 14-yard grab by the soon-to-be-retired Travis Kelce. Both teams struggled to finish drives, settling for field goals and relying on defensive stops.

But as the clock wound down, Denver did what it has done all season: find a way to win.

Bo Nix: The Rookie Quarterback Who Delivers When It Counts

Bo Nix’s stat line won’t blow anyone away—modest passing yards, one rushing touchdown, and a handful of missed opportunities. But Nix’s poise and decision-making in crunch time have become his trademarks. With the game tied at 13, Nix orchestrated a 14-play, 65-yard drive, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey.

Nix’s ability to extend plays, read defenses, and deliver under pressure has been crucial for Denver. He’s not afraid to call his own number, as he did on a key touchdown run, and he’s shown resilience after setbacks, like nearly giving himself a hernia helping Chris Jones off the turf.

The rookie’s growth has mirrored the team’s—imperfect, but trending upward. As Denver heads into the playoffs, Nix’s leadership and clutch performance will be tested against the league’s best.

RJ Harvey: The Rookie Running Back Shining in Denver’s Backfield

One of the brightest spots in Denver’s offense has been RJ Harvey, who has emerged as a dynamic dual-threat running back. With JK Dobbins sidelined by injury, Harvey has seized the opportunity, leading the team in touchdowns and providing a reliable outlet for Nix.

Harvey’s ability to make defenders miss, break tackles, and contribute as a receiver has added a new dimension to Denver’s attack. His seven rushing and five receiving touchdowns are tops on the team, and his knack for finding the end zone in key moments has been invaluable.

As the Broncos lean more on the run game, Harvey’s workload and impact will only increase. His development is a testament to Denver’s scouting and coaching, offering hope for sustained success beyond this season.

The Broncos’ Defense: Bend, Don’t Break—But Is It Enough?

Denver’s defense has been a mixed bag—stout against the run, but inconsistent in generating turnovers and pressure. Against Kansas City, the unit allowed just 139 total yards and held Oladokun to 2.5 yards per pass. Yet, they managed only one sack and failed to force a turnover against a depleted Chiefs offense.

The lack of turnovers has been a concern, with Denver failing to generate a takeaway in three of the last five games. While the defense limits opportunities—Kansas City ran just 43 offensive plays—the inability to create short fields and momentum swings could be problematic in the playoffs.

Denver’s pass rush, led by sack leader Baron Browning, must find another gear against elite quarterbacks. The secondary, missing key contributors, will need to tighten coverage and capitalize on mistakes. The defense’s ability to complement the offense will be a major storyline as the postseason unfolds.

Special Teams and the Margin for Error

Special teams have been both a blessing and a curse for Denver. The unit has delivered clutch plays, like drawing a neutral zone infraction from Chris Jones on fourth-and-short, but has also contributed to the “ugly win” narrative with missed kicks and penalties.

The Broncos’ margin for error is slim. In close games, a single special teams miscue can swing the outcome. As the playoffs approach, Denver must clean up execution in all three phases to avoid costly mistakes.

The Ugly Win Identity: Embracing Imperfection

Denver’s 13 wins have not come easily. Outside of a blowout against Dallas, every victory has been a grind. The Broncos have trailed in 12 games this season and won them all—a testament to resilience, but also a sign of inconsistency.

Each week, a different unit steps up or falters. The offense sputters, the defense shines; the run game stalls, Nix delivers; special teams nearly costs the game, but the team rallies. This unpredictability has become Denver’s identity, and fans have embraced it.

“We are the ugly win team,” says head coach Sean Payton. “We’re not perfect, but we find ways to get it done.”

The question is whether this formula can survive the rigors of playoff football, where margins are razor-thin and every mistake is magnified.

Coaching: Sean Payton’s Steady Hand

Sean Payton’s arrival in Denver brought hope for a turnaround. His reputation as an offensive innovator and leader has been validated by the team’s success, but his management of close games and ability to adapt have been equally important.

Payton’s willingness to lean on rookies, adjust game plans, and embrace the “ugly win” mentality has galvanized the locker room. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as Denver navigates the playoffs.

Payton’s five 13-win seasons tie him with Belichick, and his pursuit of another Super Bowl ring is the driving force behind Denver’s resurgence.

Playoff Outlook: Can the Broncos Make a Deep Run?

Denver’s path to the playoffs is secure, but the road ahead is daunting. The AFC is loaded with explosive offenses and stout defenses, and the Broncos will need to play their best football in all three phases to advance.

The keys to a deep run are clear:

Finish Drives: Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns nearly cost Denver against Kansas City. The offense must capitalize on long drives and convert in the red zone.
Generate Turnovers: The defense’s lack of takeaways is a concern. Creating short fields and momentum swings will be critical.
Limit Mistakes: Special teams and penalties have hurt Denver in close games. Execution must improve.
Lean on Playmakers: Bo Nix, RJ Harvey, and Courtland Sutton must deliver in key moments.

If Denver can address these areas, the “ugly win” identity may become a source of strength rather than vulnerability.

The Chiefs’ Perspective: Transition and Uncertainty

Kansas City, missing Mahomes and other starters, struggled to generate offense. Travis Kelce, potentially playing his final game at Arrowhead, was limited to 14 yards. The Chiefs’ longest play of the day was a reminder of how much they miss their stars.

As the offseason approaches, Kansas City faces questions about its future. Will Kelce return? Can the team reload around Mahomes and a new crop of playmakers? The Broncos’ sweep of the Chiefs—the first since 2014—signals a shift in the AFC West balance of power.

The Fans and the City: Hope, Humor, and High Expectations

Denver’s fan base has endured years of mediocrity and disappointment. The current run has reignited hope, but also anxiety. Can this team deliver when it matters most? Will the “ugly win” formula hold up?

Humor and resilience define Broncos Country. From Price Picks charity drives to jokes about Kirk Herbstreit’s dog, fans have embraced the chaos and supported their team through thick and thin.

The city is buzzing, and expectations are high. The playoffs offer a chance to validate the season’s progress and set the stage for a new era of Broncos football.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The Denver Broncos’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster—messy, unpredictable, and ultimately successful. The “ugly win” identity, forged through adversity, has brought the team to the brink of playoff glory.

As the postseason begins, Denver faces the ultimate test. Can they clean up their execution, capitalize on opportunities, and deliver in the moments that matter? The answers will define the legacy of this team and the future of Broncos football.

For now, fans can savor the victories, embrace the imperfections, and dream of a Super Bowl run. In a league defined by parity and unpredictability, sometimes ugly wins are the most beautiful of all.