First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos

For Denver Broncos fans, the phrase “playoff football” has been a distant memory—one tied to Peyton Manning’s final season, Super Bowl 50, and a decade of subsequent disappointment. That all changed in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, when the Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 27-17 to secure their first playoff berth since 2015. The win capped a remarkable turnaround: a team that finished 7-10 in 2024, missed the playoffs for nine straight years, and endured coaching changes, quarterback carousel, and front-office overhauls finally returned to the postseason. For players, coaches, and fans alike, the moment was surreal—filled with tears, cheers, and a sense of relief that the franchise’s dark chapter had come to an end. This wasn’t just a playoff spot; it was a validation of years of patience, a reward for sticking with the team through losing seasons, and a sign that the Broncos were back to being a contender in the AFC. First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos isn’t just about a single win; it’s about a franchise reclaiming its identity and giving a generation of fans their first taste of postseason football.

First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos gains depth by examining the key factors that drove the turnaround—a mix of intentional roster building, coaching stability, and player growth. The Broncos’ front office, led by George Paton, focused on two priorities: building depth (especially on defense and the offensive line) and finding a reliable quarterback. Their moves paid off: signing Pro Bowl tackle Mike McGlinchey solidified the offensive line, drafting wide receiver Marvin Mims added a deep threat, and retaining defensive core Patrick Surtain II, Malcolm Roach, and Baron Browning kept the defense elite. At quarterback, Jarrett Stidham emerged as a steady leader—improving week by week, cutting down on turnovers, and delivering clutch plays (like his game-winning drive against the Chiefs in Week 12). Head coach Sean Payton, in his second season with the Broncos, also played a pivotal role: his offensive scheme maximized the team’s strengths (a physical running game, play-action passes), while his emphasis on discipline reduced penalties (the Broncos ranked 10th in the NFL in penalty yards in 2025, down from 22nd in 2024). These changes didn’t happen overnight—they were the result of a three-year plan that prioritized sustainability over quick fixes. For the Broncos, the playoff berth was proof that slow, deliberate rebuilding works—even in a league where instant gratification is often demanded.

A critical emotional dimension of First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos is the impact on long-suffering fans—many of whom had never seen the Broncos in the playoffs before 2025. For younger fans, the Broncos were just another team in the AFC West, overshadowed by the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty. For older fans, the drought was a painful contrast to the franchise’s glory days (two Super Bowls in the 1990s, another in 2015). The playoff clinch against the Raiders brought these groups together: Nissan Stadium was packed with fans wearing vintage Broncos jerseys (John Elway, Terrell Davis) alongside new ones (Surtain II, Mims), all chanting “Titan Up!” and “Playoffs!” in unison. After the game, fans poured into downtown Denver, celebrating in the streets, honking car horns, and sharing stories of the years they’d waited. Local businesses joined in too: bars hosted watch parties, restaurants offered “Playoff Specials,” and the Denver Art Museum projected the Broncos’ logo on its exterior. For the city of Denver, the playoff berth wasn’t just a sports story—it was a civic celebration, a chance for the community to rally around a shared passion and forget about everyday worries. This emotional connection is what makes sports special, and for Broncos fans, it was a moment they’d waited a decade to experience.

First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos is particularly significant for the Denver Broncos’ locker room morale—a group of players who had heard about the franchise’s past success but never lived it. For veterans like Justin Simmons (a safety who has been with the Broncos since 2016) and Garett Bolles (a tackle drafted in 2017), the playoff berth was the culmination of years of hard work in losing seasons. “I’ve been here through the tough times,” Simmons said after the Raiders win. “To finally get to the playoffs with this group? It’s indescribable.” For younger players like Mims (a 2023 draft pick) and Elijah Garcia (an undrafted free agent in 2024), the playoffs were a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage. The team’s unity was on full display after the clinch: players hugged each other, coaches cried, and even former Broncos greats like John Elway visited the locker room to congratulate the team. This morale boost will be crucial in the playoffs, where pressure and intensity reach new heights. The Denver Broncos know they’re underdogs—they’ll likely be a wild-card team, facing a top seed in the first round—but they also know they’ve already defied expectations by ending the drought. For the Denver Broncos, the playoffs aren’t just a destination; they’re a chance to show the NFL that their turnaround is real, not a fluke.

Another vital aspect of First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos is the playoff matchup outlook—and how the team’s strengths align against potential opponents. As a likely AFC wild-card team (they finished 10-7, good for the sixth seed), the Broncos will face either the Baltimore Ravens (the top seed) or the Buffalo Bills (the second seed) in the first round. Both matchups present challenges: the Ravens have a dominant defense and MVP-caliber quarterback Lamar Jackson, while the Bills have a high-powered offense led by Josh Allen. But the Broncos have strengths that can compete: their run defense (10th in the NFL) can slow down the Ravens’ rushing attack, and their passing defense (led by Surtain II) can limit the Bills’ wide receivers. Offensively, the Broncos’ physical running game (Javonte Williams rushed for 1,200 yards in 2025) can control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field, while Stidham’s ability to make play-action passes can exploit defenses focused on stopping the run. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has already started preparing: Payton and his assistants spent the bye week (after Week 17) studying film of potential opponents, while players focused on staying healthy and refining their craft. The Broncos know they’ll need to play their best football to win a playoff game—something they haven’t done since 2015—but they also know they’ve already overcome longer odds. For the Denver Broncos, the playoffs are a chance to write a new chapter in the franchise’s history, one that isn’t just about ending a drought, but about winning.

Finally, First Playoffs Since 2025 for the Denver Broncos has long-term implications for the franchise’s future. Ending the playoff drought will make the Broncos a more attractive destination for free agents—players want to join teams that compete for championships, not just play regular-season games. It will also help retain key players: Simmons, Stidham, and Roach are set to be free agents in 2026, and a playoff run could convince them to re-sign. For the front office, the playoff berth validates their rebuilding strategy—proving that drafting well, signing smart free agents, and hiring the right coach works. It also sets a new standard for the franchise: no longer will fans accept losing seasons; they’ll expect the Broncos to compete for playoffs every year, just like they did in the 1990s and early 2010s. For Sean Payton, the playoffs are a chance to cement his legacy in Denver—after a rocky first season, he’s now the coach who ended the drought. First Playoffs Since 2015 for the Denver Broncos wraps up with a simple truth: sports are about hope. For a decade, Broncos fans had little hope of seeing playoff football. Now, they have not just hope, but belief—that their team can win a playoff game, compete for a Super Bowl, and return to the top of the NFL. This is more than a playoff berth; it’s a new beginning for the Denver Broncos.