Shocking stat reveals why Broncos a prime regression candidate in 2026

The Denver Broncos were a surprise package last season, as they made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game before losing to the New England Patriots.

But the Broncos are now looked at as a genuine contender in 2026, with the franchise remaining roughly the same, except for the addition of Jaylen Waddle.

Denver was 11-2 in one-score games last season. Can we expect them to be as good as that in 2026?

We know the Chiefs of 2024 were bulletproof in one-score games (12-0, including playoffs) before going 1-9 in 2025.

For Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, Denver could be a prime regression candidate.

"Denver won 11 one-score games a year ago, often a signal of a team needing to improve to stay the same record-wise," Verderame wrote. "If that’s the case, the Broncos could be a prime regression candidate."

More: Patriots' $70 million WR has landed in perfect spot claims analyst

Can Broncos maintain the rage in one-score games?

Well, you'd like to think so.

However, the law of averages suggests the Broncos will lose a couple of one-score games in 2026. Now, the regression might not be as big as the Chiefs going from 12-0 to 1-9, but you can make the case for Denver regressing, even slightly.

Given the lack of investment in the roster aside from Waddle, Denver appears content in banking on the internal development of its team to power them towards a Super Bowl.

The Broncos were elite in one-score games last season, and you get the sense that if they are to make a deep playoff run, they'll have to be again in 2026.

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