
Hall of Fame running back and Denver Broncos icon Terrell Davis is convinced that the Colorado franchise has the tools to go toe-to-toe with the Kansas City Chiefs starting this season.
Since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have dominated the division with nine straight titles and have never fallen short of the AFC Championship Game. However, Davis believes the era of absolute dominance may be nearing its end.
Travis Kelce shocks young Chiefs fan with a heartwarming gesture during a preseason game
Denver Broncos are on the rise
After a nine-year absence, the Broncos returned to the postseason with a 10-7 record under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who is already considered the franchise QB. Still, the turning point for Davis was the near-win against Kansas City in Week 10, where a missed field goal left them short in a 16-14 loss.
“They’ve already shown they can compete with them,”Davis recalled. “Last year we beat them, even if it was in the final week when they rested their starters. But this team is close now, and I think they can do it at full strength.”
A tough competition in the AFC West
The former player acknowledges that the division won’t be easy, with a solid Chargers team that also made the playoffs and a Las Vegas Raiders squad now led by Pete Carroll. Still, he maintains that the Broncos under Sean Payton have the formula to become contenders.
“There’s continuity in everything: coaches, coordinators, front office. That’s what gives me confidence,” Davis explained. “A team with consistency at its core always has a better chance to grow.”
Denver must improve its ground game
Although Denver exceeded expectations in 2024, their Achilles’ heel was a lack of consistency against elite opponents. Ignoring the Week 18 win over a Chiefs team without starters, their record against playoff teams was just 1-5, with tough losses to Buffalo and Baltimore.
To address this, the front office revamped the running game. They let Javonte Williams go, signed veteran J.K. Dobbins, and drafted R.J. Harvey in the 2025 Draft-an explosive All-American running back.
Terrell Davis on the importance of offensive balance
Few voices carry as much weight as Davis’ when it comes to a dominant ground game. The legendary back led Denver to two Super Bowl titles, including Super Bowl XXXII, where he was MVP after rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s not about going back to my era and running 40 times a game,” he clarified. “But there are games where you need that weapon. Last year they had a great passing attack, but lacked balance. That’s the next step.”
Denver could surprise the entire NFL
With the continuity of the project, Sean Payton’s leadership, and Bo Nix’s growing confidence, Davis has no doubt that Denver could surprise the entire NFL. He even dared to predict a 12- or 13-win season and a deep playoff run.
“They kept their key pieces, reinforced where needed, and now they have confidence,”Davis concluded. “To me, everything is aligned for the Broncos to be a true contender.”
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