Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos prepare for a critical Sunday Night Football (SNF) showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs—their second matchup of the 2024 season—head coach Sean Payton has released an updated depth chart that reflects injury recoveries, rotational adjustments, and strategic tweaks to counter the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a list of names; it’s a blueprint for how the Broncos plan to defend their AFC West lead and secure a statement win on national television. With key players returning from minor injuries and rookies earning expanded roles, the depth chart highlights the Broncos’ depth—a strength that has fueled their 8-2 start—and underscores Payton’s focus on matching personnel to the Chiefs’ specific threats, from Patrick Mahomes’ passing to Isiah Pacheco’s running. For Broncos fans, this depth chart offers a preview of the game plan, while for analysts, it reveals how Payton is leveraging his roster to outsmart Andy Reid’s Chiefs.

Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos begins with the quarterback position, a group that has been a model of stability for the Broncos in 2024. Kirk Cousins remains the clear starter, coming off a efficient performance in Week 10 (18/24 passes, 210 yards, 1 touchdown) against the Los Angeles Chargers. What’s new on the depth chart, however, is the elevation of Bo Nix to the primary backup, replacing Jarrett Stidham, who was placed on the practice squad injured list with a minor shoulder strain. Nix’s promotion is a nod to his clutch performance earlier in the season—he engineered four fourth-quarter comebacks when Cousins was sidelined with a rib injury—and Payton has hinted that Nix may see limited action in “package plays” designed to exploit his mobility against the Chiefs’ pass rush. “Bo gives us a different look,” Payton said in a press conference. “If the Chiefs load the box to stop the run, we can use Bo’s ability to extend plays with his legs.” This quarterback depth is critical for SNF, as the Chiefs’ defensive line (led by Chris Jones) ranks 6th in the NFL in sacks, making Cousins’ health and Nix’s readiness top priorities.

Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos next focuses on the running back room, where a key injury has forced a minor adjustment. Javonte Williams remains the starter, leading the Broncos with 850 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, but backup Samaje Perine has been downgraded to “questionable” with a hamstring strain, opening the door for rookie Jaleel McLaughlin to move up to the No. 2 spot. McLaughlin, an undrafted free agent, has impressed in limited action this season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and catching 12 passes for 98 yards. His speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash) and pass-catching ability make him a ideal counter to the Chiefs’ run defense, which ranks 18th in the NFL (allowing 112.3 yards per game) but struggles with shifty backs who can exploit gaps in zone coverage. The Broncos have also added practice squad running back Tyler Badie to the game-day roster as insurance, a move that reflects Payton’s commitment to avoiding overworking Williams against the Chiefs’ physical front seven. “We need Javonte fresh in the fourth quarter,” Payton explained. “McLaughlin and Badie will help us manage his snaps so he’s ready to close out the game.”

Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos highlights the defensive line, where two key players have returned from DNPs to reclaim their starting roles—good news for the Denver Broncos, who rely on their front four to pressure Mahomes. Defensive tackle DJ Jones, who rested a nagging knee issue in Week 10 practice, is back as the starter alongside Mike Purcell, while defensive end Randy Gregory has been elevated from “limited” to “full” participation after recovering from a calf strain, reclaiming his spot opposite Nik Bonitto. The biggest change on the defensive line depth chart is the promotion of rookie Sai’Vion Jones to the primary backup defensive end, replacing Jonathan Harris, who is out with a ankle sprain. Jones, a fourth-round pick, has emerged as a pass-rush threat in recent weeks (3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and will likely see significant snaps in passing situations, where his speed can exploit the Chiefs’ backup offensive tackles. The Denver Broncos’ defensive line depth is a major advantage for SNF, as it allows defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to rotate players frequently, keeping them fresh to pressure Mahomes, who struggles when forced to throw quickly. “Our ability to rotate guys up front is key,” Joseph said. “We don’t want Mahomes to get comfortable in the pocket—we want to keep him on his toes.”

Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos examines the secondary, a unit that has been the Broncos’ defensive backbone and features a few strategic tweaks for the Denver Broncos’ SNF matchup. Cornerback Pat Surtain II remains the shutdown No. 1, tasked with shadowing Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill—a role he excelled at in Week 6, limiting Hill to 3 receptions for 28 yards. The biggest change in the secondary is the move of nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams to the No. 2 outside cornerback spot, replacing Damarri Mathis, who is dealing with a groin strain. Williams, a veteran with 8 years of NFL experience, has primarily played in the slot this season but has the size (5’9”, 185 lbs) and speed to hold his own against Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rookie Riley Moss, who has spent most of the season on special teams, has been elevated to the nickel cornerback role, a promotion that reflects his growth in practice and his ability to cover slot receivers like Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in man coverage. The Denver Broncos’ secondary depth is critical for SNF, as the Chiefs’ passing attack ranks 3rd in the NFL (301.2 yards per game), and Surtain can’t shut down every threat alone—Williams and Moss will need to step up to limit Hill and Kelce.

Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos concludes with the special teams unit, where a minor adjustment has been made to the kickoff return team—an area the Broncos hope to exploit against the Chiefs. Rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, who was already promoted to backup running back, has also been added to the kickoff return rotation, replacing Perine, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain. McLaughlin’s speed and elusiveness make him a threat to break a long return, something the Broncos haven’t had this season (their longest kickoff return is 32 yards). The rest of the special teams depth chart remains unchanged: Wil Lutz (19/21 field goals) is the kicker, Riley Dixon is the punter, and Courtland Sutton is the primary punt returner. This special teams adjustment is a small but strategic one for the Denver Broncos, as the Chiefs’ kickoff coverage ranks 22nd in the NFL (allowing 24.5 yards per return), giving McLaughlin a chance to flip field position and set up the offense with good starting field position. “Special teams can win or lose a close game,” Payton said. “McLaughlin gives us a chance to make a play on kickoffs that could swing momentum in our favor.” Updated Depth Chart Ahead of SNF for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a reflection of the Broncos’ depth, adaptability, and focus on winning the small battles that define SNF matchups. With key players returning, rookies stepping up, and strategic tweaks to counter the Chiefs, the Broncos’ depth chart isn’t just a list—it’s a statement that they’re ready to compete for an AFC West title on national television.