NFL.com Writers Offer Conflicting Broncos Playoff Predictions for 2026

NFL.com analysts Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair released conflicting predictions for the Denver Broncos' 2026 season. Bhanpuri projects a 10-7 record, earning the Broncos the final AFC wild card spot. He anticipates a slow start followed by a strong second half of the season.

Blair, conversely, forecasts a 9-8 record for Denver, resulting in the team missing the playoffs. His projection includes a four-game losing streak to open the season and only three wins before mid-November.

The analysts project the Buffalo Bills to finish 12-5, tied with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens as division winners. The Houston Texans are projected to finish 11-6. The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers are also predicted to earn playoff berths at 11-6 and 11-5, respectively.