Broncos' Playoff Hopes Revived Under Sean Payton's Leadership

Denver's five-game win streak and strategic coaching turn around a 1-5 start to the season, positioning the team as a playoff contender.

Denver Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, have emerged as playoff contenders after a five-game win streak, including victories over playoff-contending teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns.
Despite starting the season with a 1-5 record and a historic defeat by the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos have turned their performance around, with credit given to Payton's coaching strategy and the performances of quarterback Russell Wilson and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Payton's strategy has been to limit Wilson's reads and rely on short passes to minimize the risk of turnovers, effectively treating him as a 'rookie quarterback', a move that has been key to Denver's success.
Denver's defense has also improved, posting 16 takeaways and a +13 turnover margin during their win streak, despite ranking 28th in the league in points allowed per game.
The Broncos are now tied for the last wild card spot with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans, and could become the fourth team in NFL history to make it to the playoffs after starting out a season 1-5.