Denver, CO – A new executive poll released by The Athletic’s Mike Sando has the Denver Broncos sitting at No. 2 in the AFC, trailing only the Buffalo Bills. The survey asked six senior NFL executives to rank all 16 teams in the conference from best to worst. While the Bills earned four first‑place votes, the Broncos secured one first‑place vote and a strong showing of second‑ and fourth‑place votes, cementing their spot as a top contender for the 2026 campaign.
Survey details and rankings
The poll’s results placed the Broncos just behind the Bills, with the Houston Texans at No. 3, New England Patriots at No. 4, and the Baltimore Ravens rounding out the top five. The Kansas City Chiefs fell to No. 6, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 7), Los Angeles Chargers (No. 8), Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 9) and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 10). The Miami Dolphins occupied the last spot in the ranking.
Denver’s voting breakdown included one first‑place vote, two second‑place votes, two fourth‑place votes and one fifth‑place vote. Buffalo’s four first‑place votes and two second‑place votes gave the Bills a clear edge, but the Broncos’ overall score reflects broad respect from league insiders.
Why executives are bullish on Denver
One executive praised head coach Sean Payton, saying, “Sean Payton does a masterful job of making his teams feel they are better than where they are, and that exudes through their play.” Payton, who previously guided the New Orleans Saints to multiple Super Bowl runs, is now in his third season with the Broncos and has already delivered a 14‑3 record.
Another respondent highlighted the team’s key pieces: a healthy quarterback in Bo Nix, a revitalized defense under coordinator Vance Joseph, and the addition of former Miami wide‑out Jaylen Waddle. The executive admitted he “doesn’t buy” Denver but listed the very assets that make the Broncos formidable, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster.
Recent performance and outlook
Last season, Denver edged the Bills 33‑30 in an overtime thriller at Empower Field at Mile High, advancing to the AFC title game before falling short. Quarterback Josh Allen’s five turnovers proved costly for Buffalo, and the Broncos capitalized on the mistake to secure the win.
Looking ahead, some executives predict the Broncos could finish third in the AFC West, a view that challenges the common narrative that overvalues the Los Angeles Chargers and assumes the Chiefs will automatically rebound. Regardless of that projection, a No. 2 ranking signals strong confidence from league leaders as the regular season approaches.
What this means for Denver fans
For Colorado’s football faithful, the poll offers a morale boost and validates the franchise’s recent moves. The combination of seasoned coaching, a healthy quarterback returning from offseason ankle surgeries, and a defense loaded with playmakers positions the Broncos as a serious playoff threat.
Fans can look forward to a season where continuity and talent converge, with the hope that the team can translate executive admiration into on‑field success. As the schedule unfolds, Denver’s home crowd will be eager to see whether the Broncos can turn this high ranking into a championship run.
Full poll results
To view the complete AFC executive poll rankings, click here.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
