Denver’s 2024 arc shifted from a rough start to a playoff bid behind Bo Nix’s rapid maturation in Sean Payton’s system. Nix finished with 66% accuracy, 29 TDs and 12 INTs, capped by six 30+ point games and a postseason appearance that validated the rookie’s fit. The Broncos fortified around him: Evan Engram provides a true secondary passing threat, while J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey bolster the run game behind an elite line. Denver’s defense kept climbing, finishing top-3 in scoring and sacks, with additions like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Jahdae Barron strengthening the middle and perimeter. Surtain II anchors the secondary. The article also maps out 2025 futures odds (9.5 win total), Super Bowl and MVP chatter for Nix, and the core premise: if Nix takes a Year 2 leap, Denver could challenge for the AFC West crown and even contend for a title, riding Payton’s scheme, a stout defense, and scalable weapons.