The Denver Broncos have the second-best offensive line in the NFL, according to PFF’s preseason rankings.
Denver went 10-7 last season before suffering a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs. Quarterback Bo Nix had the seventh-most fantasy points among quarterbacks in 2024 and sits as QB8 by ADP ahead of the 2025 season.
PFF is high on the Broncos offensive line because they have brought back all five of their starters from last season, when they allowed the second-lowest pressure rate in the league. Quinn Meinerz, Denver’s right guard, ranked as the second-best guard in the league last season.
Only four teams saw their quarterback take hits less often, while Nix benefited from an average pocket time of 2.5 seconds, which was in the top five in the NFL.
Notably, Denver’s first-choice offensive linemen were healthy for most of last season. Three of their five starters played 17 games, with the other two playing 13 apiece. All five took the field for 97% or more of snaps in games they were available. Durability is an asset in any offensive line, and the familiarity of bringing the same group back stands them in good stead.
Fantasy Impact
The Broncos led the NFL in pass block win rate and run block win rate last season. This enabled Nix to run for 430 yards with four touchdowns, while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin contributed 513 and 496 yards on the ground, respectively.
Williams departed in free agency. His absence left the Broncos revamping their running back options, with R.J. Harvey selected in the second round and J.K. Dobbins acquired via free agency. Harvey, who averaged 6.5 yards per carry in college, should get plenty of reps in preseason to earn the starting spot.
As of July 9, there are 21 running backs being drafted before Harvey on average. Protected by an elite offensive line and boasting excellent physical attributes and decisiveness, he could climb fantasy draft boards quickly. The former Central Florida back has the upside to be one of the five most productive running backs in 2025.
Dobbins, currently RB41 by ADP, is worth keeping an eye on. Denver could yet make the veteran their starter for the first week of the season. He was the 17th-highest scoring running back in 2020 and finished as RB21 in 2024.
If Nix is given time in the pocket like he was last season, Denver’s receivers become intriguing. Courtland Sutton, WR10 in 2024, has an average draft position outside the top 20 receivers. Marvin Mims Jr. is outside the top 50 by ADP.
Don’t forget about Evan Engram, too. He had a down year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he was TE6 in 2022 and 2023.
Top Seven Fantasy QB
With Engram and Harvey adding to his receiving options and a reliable offensive line, there’s a compelling case to be made that Nix should be a top-seven fantasy quarterback in 2025.
It’s popular to predict a sophomore slump for quarterbacks who overachieved as a rookie, but Nix is in a much better situation than CJ Stroud was 12 months ago. He’s in a settled, talented offense with a mix of veteran and rookie talent added to the group.
