When is the last time Broncos went to a Super Bowl? History of Denver's big game appearances

The Denver Broncos own one of the richest histories of any franchise in the NFL. But in the past decade, they haven't added much success.

The Broncos cycled through some bad-to-average seasons in the late 2010s and early 2020s, never quite finding the right answer at quarterback or head coach. Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio and Nathaniel Hackett struggled to lead Denver, while none of Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Wilson ever proved capable of leading the Broncos to the postseason.

However, with the hiring of Super Bowl winner Sean Payton in 2023 and the selection of Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, things have turned around for Denver, returning to AFC prominence. The Broncos are seeking a return to the Super Bowl as the No. 1 seed in the 2026 NFL Playoffs.

Here's a breakdown of Denver's history of Super Bowl appearances and the last time the Broncos made the big game.

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Broncos Super Bowl history

When was the last time the Broncos went to the Super Bowl?

The last time the Broncos played in the Super Bowl was also their last Lombardi Trophy: the 2015 season. With an aging Peyton Manning at quarterback leading a so-so offense, but a historically elite defense leading the way, the Broncos took down the Carolina Panthers in February 2016 to win the Super Bowl.

The Broncos went 12-4 in that 2015 season, winning the AFC West with Gary Kubiak as head coach. In the postseason, they took down the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round (23-16), the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship (20-18) and the Panthers in the Super Bowl (24-10).

Jan. 24, 2016 (2015 AFC Championship Game) — Behind their destructive defense, the Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots, 20–18, to capture their 8th AFC crown.
DEN D: Hit @TomBrady 20× and had many huge stops@VonMiller: 1 INT and 2.5 sacks
PFM: 2 TDs in final home game pic.twitter.com/sqvRABh4K3

In Super Bowl 50, Denver's defense paved the way with a first-quarter fumble recovery touchdown. With three field goals from Brandon McManus, then a late C.J. Anderson rushing score, the Broncos took care of business against Carolina, shutting down Cam Newton for 265 passing yards and an interception.

Throwback to when the Broncos and Panthers faced off in Super Bowl 50 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BJ18gF4qr3

Until 2024, that title win wasn't just Denver's last Super Bowl win or appearance — it was also their last playoff appearance. For eight years after winning it all behind Manning, Von Miller and more, the Broncos struggled, with no post-Manning answer at quarterback and a lack of organizational alignment.

Prior to 2015, it hadn't been long since the Broncos played in the Super Bowl. Just two years earlier, in 2013, they lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL's finale.

Here is a full list of Denver's Super Bowl appearances.

*Bold = Broncos victory

MORE: Inside Bo Nix's career playoff record

How many Super Bowls have the Broncos won?

The Broncos have won three Super Bowls. Notably, it took the franchise until its fifth appearance in the Super Bowl to win one; after losing the big game in 1978, 1987, 1988 and 1990, Denver finally broke through by beating the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII in 1998.

Once Denver broke that seal, it went back-to-back by beating the Falcons in the Super Bowl the next year.  Years later, the Broncos would win their third title by beating the Panthers in February 2016. 

Here is where Denver ranks among teams with more than two Super Bowl victories.

MORE: What is Sean Payton's career playoff record?

Most Super Bowl appearances

Denver also finds itself ranking high in all-time Super Bowl appearances, although it had a stretch of back luck in its first five Super Bowls.

The Patriots lead the way with three more appearances than any other squad. Of teams with at least six Super Bowl appearances, the Steelers have the best winning percentage, winning six of eight Super Bowls.

Super Bowl rematches

The 2026 final four in the NFL playoffs feature plenty of potential for intriguing Super Bowl rematches. Seahawks-Patriots would be a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX (New England win) while Rams-Patriots would be a rematch of both Super Bowl XXXVI (New England win) and Super Bowl LIII (New England win). 

On top of those possibilities, a Broncos-Seahawks matchup would be a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII (Seattle win). The only possible 2026 Super Bowl matchup that would not be a rematch is Broncos vs. Rams.

The last two years have seen a Super Bowl rematch; first, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers met in the big game for just the second time in three seasons, then the Chiefs and Eagles also had a second meeting in three seasons in February 2025.

Here's a look at the most common Super Bowl matchups ever.

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