Peyton Manning makes a bold prediction about the Denver Broncos and gives his thoughts on what they need to get to the next level (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Peyton Manning knows all about having success as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Although Manning spent the majority of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts (1998 through 2011), he had four notable and productive years with the Broncos during his last several years in the NFL. Not only did he lead Denver to four consecutive playoff appearances, he went to two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl 50 in his final game at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
The current Broncos are finally starting to look like a winning product, fresh off of a 10-7 season, their first playoff appearance since Manning's final year back in 2015. When asked what the Broncos need to do to get to that "next level" with young quarterback Bo Nix, the five-time MVP says it's hard to give a definitive answer, but he believes head coach Sean Payton is the right guy to do it.
"I don't know," says Manning in a one-on-one interview with RG when asked what they need to get to an elite level.
"I think Sean Payton knows exactly what they need and I think he and general manager George Paton will go and get it this offseason in the draft."
For as much success as Nix had in his rookie season, it's clear that he needs another viable receiving weapon at wide receiver or tight end. The Broncos have Courtland Sutton as their No. 1 receiver, but there's not much beyond him. Denver's second-leading receiver was actually running back Javonte Williams with 52 catches and in terms of receiving yardage, it was Marvin Mims with 503 yards.
Nix had one of the best rookie seasons of all time by a quarterback with 33 total touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. However, if the Broncos want to compete with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills – they lost to the Bills in the playoffs 31-7 – they're going to have to get some upgrades in the receiving department through the draft or free agency.
Manning makes a bold prediction and says the Broncos will be "even better" next year despite playing in a stacked division.
"I think what they were able to accomplish this year, it was pretty awesome," says Manning of the 2024 Broncos.
"It's a tough division, but I think they'll go out and try to get some different players and be even better next year."
We'll see if Manning's prediction holds true, but the Broncos will definitely face some stiff competition within the division. Jim Harbaugh's Los Angeles Chargers are looking to improve after making a playoff appearance of their own, the Las Vegas Raiders are seeking to contend after hiring former Super Bowl champion head coach Pete Carroll and the Chiefs are returning as the AFC Champions.
If the Broncos strike it big with a playmaking receiver or tight end with the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft or somehow pull off a trade for a star receiver like the San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel – he's asked for a trade – Denver could very well emerge as Super Bowl contenders next season.
DJ Siddiqi
