Expectations are mounting for the Denver Broncos heading into the 2025 NFL season. After several years of instability at the quarterback position, the team appears to finally be moving in the right direction under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton. The front office has made targeted improvements on both sides of the ball, and while the AFC remains one of the toughest conferences in professional sports, Denver’s 2025 schedule offers a few potential bright spots.
No schedule in the NFL is ever truly “easy,” especially for a team like Denver that must navigate the gauntlet of the AFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers remain threats, and the Raiders—although inconsistent—can never be completely dismissed. However, there are games on the docket that stand out as favorable opportunities for Denver to build momentum and stack wins, particularly if their young core continues to develop and their defense returns to its once-elite form.
With that in mind, here are four of the most favorable matchups for the Broncos on their 2025 regular season slate.
One of the most appealing matchups on the Broncos’ schedule is their home game against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina is in the midst of a massive rebuild, and although the organization made several high-profile moves this offseason, they remain a team with more questions than answers. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young showed flashes in his rookie season, but was largely inconsistent, and he enters 2025 under new leadership yet again. Continuity has been a major issue for the Panthers in recent years, with multiple coaching changes and scheme adjustments stunting the growth of their young talent.
The Broncos, meanwhile, will benefit from playing this game at Mile High, where their defense has traditionally played at a higher level. Altitude aside, Denver’s pass rush—anchored by Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, and a rejuvenated Randy Gregory—has the potential to wreak havoc on a shaky Panthers offensive line. Carolina struggled to protect Young last year, giving up 60 sacks, and while offseason reinforcements were made, they still lack the elite tackle play needed to neutralize Denver’s edge rushers.
Additionally, the Broncos’ secondary, featuring All-Pro Patrick Surtain II, should have a favorable matchup against a Panthers receiving corps that lacks a true No. 1 threat. Adam Thielen is aging, and while rookie Xavier Legette brings potential, the learning curve at the NFL level remains steep. If Denver’s defense can force Carolina into predictable passing situations, this could be a long afternoon for the Panthers’ offense.
On the other side of the ball, Denver’s offense will face a Panthers defense that is still finding its identity. While Carolina boasts talent up front in Derrick Brown and Brian Burns, the unit ranked in the bottom third of the league in points allowed last season and struggled mightily in red zone defense. If the Broncos’ offensive line holds up and quarterback Bo Nix (or whichever signal-caller wins the starting job) can manage the game effectively, Denver could use this matchup to build some early-season confidence.
Another advantageous game on Denver’s schedule comes against the New England Patriots—a team in transition after the post-Bill Belichick era officially began this offseason. While New England still possesses a strong defensive foundation, their offensive outlook remains bleak. The Patriots had one of the worst offensive units in the league last year, and their quarterback carousel—featuring Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, and others—produced inconsistent and often uninspiring results. Unless rookie Drake Maye immediately proves to be a franchise savior, Denver’s defense should have the upper hand.
Playing the Patriots at Empower Field also gives the Broncos a crucial edge. The Patriots’ offensive line is a work in progress, and the Broncos’ ability to create pressure will be a deciding factor. Forcing a young quarterback into hurried decisions is where defensive coordinator Vance Joseph thrives. With Surtain blanketing New England’s best receiver—likely Kendrick Bourne or rookie Ja’Lynn Polk—the rest of the secondary can afford to be aggressive.
Offensively, Denver’s quick passing game should be able to neutralize the Patriots’ aggressive front seven. While Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore are both game-wreckers, the Patriots’ linebacking corps lacks speed and coverage instincts, making them vulnerable to running backs and tight ends in space. Expect Payton to design a game plan that leans heavily on the short-to-intermediate passing game and play-action, especially if the Broncos can establish the run early.
A win here would not only build confidence, but also be a symbolic shift in the AFC hierarchy. The Patriots dominated the early 2000s, but Denver is now in a position to exploit their opponent’s growing pains and assert itself as a playoff contender.
Denver’s road trip to face the Arizona Cardinals also presents a favorable opportunity for a win. Arizona, while talented in some areas, is still not considered a complete football team. Kyler Murray is back at quarterback and has pr