The Denver Broncos are entering the 2025 offseason in a surprisingly stable position, following a 10-win playoff season. After years of turmoil, including quarterback issues, salary cap struggles, and draft pick shortages, they now boast $48 million in salary cap space and a full set of draft picks. However, the team faces the challenge of potentially losing 19 players to free agency, including 13 unrestricted free agents, necessitating critical roster decisions.

The unrestricted free agent list features significant contributors such as D.J. Jones, Javonte Williams, and Michael Burton. The team may prioritize retaining Jones and Williams, given their essential roles and the potential for favorable contract negotiations. A backup quarterback situation looms as well, with speculation surrounding Jarrett Stidham's return. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Mitchell Fraboni is expected to rejoin, along with several exclusive rights free agents like Lucas Krull and Ja’Quan McMillian.

The Denver Broncos faced a disappointing defeat in their first playoff game since Super Bowl 50, suffering against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the lackluster performance, the Broncos had an impressive season overall and will benefit from the playoff experience. Quarterback Bo Nix had mixed results, showcasing both questionable decisions and impressive throws. The team struggled with their running back choices, leaving Javonte Williams underwhelming despite a decent yards-per-carry average.

Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims had contrasting performances, with Sutton emerging as a reliable target, while Mims and Devaughn Vele underperformed. On the offensive line, Garett Bolles stood out positively, contrasting with Mike McGlinchey's struggles. The defense saw some bright spots with Zach Allen's dominating performance, but overall, the unit struggled against a powerful Bills offense. Major adjustments will be necessary as the Broncos look to improve for next season.

The Denver Broncos have successfully broken their playoff drought, marking the first time they will be evaluated for a playoff game under this grading system. With a youthful roster, the Broncos have surprised many experts by controlling the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, resulting in a shutout loss for head coach Andy Reid. As the playoffs loom, the team's individual performances will be highlighted in this final grading of the regular season.

Quarterback Bo Nix excelled with a grade of 84.7, showcasing near perfection despite a late first-half mistake. The running backs displayed mixed results, with Javonte Williams leading at 60.5, while Michael Burton and Jaleel McLaughlin followed with lower grades, reflecting their varying contributions. In the receiving corps, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. stood out with grades of 84.1 and 80.5.

The NFL's 2024 regular season is approaching its conclusion with Week 18, providing players one final opportunity to achieve contract incentives. Many players are within reach of bonuses that not only add to their earnings but could also influence betting markets. Some teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles, may choose to rest key players ahead of the playoffs. Nonetheless, notable players like Saquon Barkley have already secured significant bonuses, including a $500,000 reward for surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards.

Several players across the league are targeting specific milestones this week. For instance, Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray is just 50 rushing yards and one touchdown away from a $750,000 salary increase. Others, such as Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Van Noy and Buffalo Bills' Von Miller, are also close to lucrative bonuses. The stakes are high as players aim to maximize their earnings before the season ends.

The Denver Broncos' defense has seen a considerable decline in performance over the past few weeks, transitioning from one of the league's top units to a struggling group. Despite their ability to generate turnovers, the Broncos have allowed an average of 25.6 points per game in their last five outings, a stark contrast to the 16.6 points they permitted in the first 11 games of the season. A significant factor in this downturn has been injuries, particularly the absence of cornerback Riley Moss, who missed three games and struggled upon his return against the Cincinnati Bengals. This injury has forced the Broncos to reduce their effective man coverage from over 45% to just 30%.

In addition to injuries, the Broncos' safety and linebacker positions have been notably exploited by opposing teams. Safety Brandon Jones has been a solid acquisition, but his partner P.J. Locke has shown inconsistency, leading to defensive lapses. Similarly, the linebacker corps, even with Alex Singleton, has been underwhelming. Cody Barton and Justin Strnad have had moments of brilliance, but their overall inconsistency has been detrimental. The Broncos' defensive scheme, which once masked these deficiencies, has been increasingly exposed by opponents, as seen in recent games against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals. Moving forward, it is imperative for general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to prioritize upgrades at these critical positions during the offseason.