NFL.com projects Broncos defense to be best in NFL for 2025
The Denver Broncos defense took a giant step forward last season.
After finishing the 2023 regular season as the 27th-ranked defense in points allowed, the unit catapulted to No. 3. There's no question the Broncos had one of the best defenses in the NFL. Denver led the league in sacks and EPA (expected points added).
How good the Broncos defense was is one of the main reasons they finished the regular season with a winning record and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50.
Now, Denver's defense could be even better this year.
An analyst for the NFL website projects the Broncos to have the best defense in the league this season. Beating out the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens.
As the story notes, Denver returns 14 of its top 15 players in defensive snaps. The lone loss is middle linebacker Cody Barton. Plus, the Broncos signed Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw in NFL free agency and selected cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the NFL Draft.
'So, the group that led the league in sacks and defensive EPA (expected points added) just got better.'
You can read the rest of the analysis and reasons why Denver is ranked as the best defense heading into the regular season, but I agree with this projection. This defense is loaded, especially if Greenlaw can return to form and stay healthy. Knowing how good that unit is for them will make the lives of Bo Nix, Sean Payton, and the Broncos' offense a little easier.
And let's not forget that Denver's offense will be even better this season as well, with the additions of Evan Engram and R.J. Harvey.
For what it's worth, the same analyst projects the Broncos offense as the sixth-ranked in the NFL.
For the first time in a decade, Denver has the chance for a fun and special season.
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