The Denver Broncos have been named the fourth most vulnerable division champion from the 2025 season, according to NFL Senior Writer Kevin Patra. As the NFL schedule release day arrives, Broncos Country is buzzing with anticipation—but also a dose of reality.

Denver faces a daunting path to repeating as AFC West champions. Their schedule features matchups against five division winners from last season, plus several other playoff-caliber teams. After an incredible 14-win campaign that included 11 games decided by one score or less, the odds of replicating that success are slim.

The Broncos have made solid offseason moves, improving their roster and adding quality coaching staff. But so have their rivals. The road to back-to-back division titles will be fierce, especially with a healthy Patrick Mahomes and a Kansas City Chiefs team that has a comparatively easier schedule.

Patra's ranking places Denver behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears as the most vulnerable division champions. Surprisingly, he considers the Jacksonville Jaguars the least vulnerable of any division winner from last season.

His reasoning for Denver's ranking centers on three key concerns: offensive inconsistency, depth issues, and the historical trend of defense-led teams regressing. It's a fair assessment, but Broncos fans have reason for optimism. The offense is expected to be far more efficient this season, while the defense remains among the NFL's elite.

Repeating as division champions will be an uphill battle—but one this Broncos team is capable of winning. What do you think, Broncos Country? Can Denver hold off the competition and prove the doubters wrong?