Mahomes Under Siege? Broncos’ Defensive Overhaul Threatens Chiefs’ AFC West Reign in 2025
Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, has reigned supreme in the AFC West for years. But as the 2025 season approaches, a storm is brewing in Denver. The Broncos, after a significant defensive overhaul, are poised to challenge the Chiefs’ dominance, potentially leaving Mahomes under siege.
The Rise of the Broncos Defense
The Denver Broncos’ defense has undergone a dramatic transformation. After languishing near the bottom of the league in 2023, they soared to become one of the top defensive units in 2024, finishing third in defensive points allowed. But General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton weren’t satisfied. They’ve made a series of strategic acquisitions, solidifying their defense and positioning it as the potential best in the NFL for 2025.
Key additions include former San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, along with first-round pick Jahdae Barron, a versatile defensive back. These players join an already formidable unit led by NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.
“Led by NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and several new additions, the Broncos could boast the NFL’s best defense in 2025,” notes Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman.
The Broncos’ defensive line is particularly menacing. Last season, they led the league in sacks, with six players recording at least five sacks each: Nik Bonitto (13.5), Jonathon Cooper (10.5), Zach Allen (8.5), John Franklin-Myers (7), Jonah Elliss (5), and Dondrea Tillman (5). Their run defense is equally stout, allowing the second-fewest yards per carry (3.9) in 2024.
Gennaro Filice of NFL.com boldly predicts that this could be the best Denver defense since the “No Fly Zone” era, which brought the franchise its third Super Bowl a decade ago.
Mahomes vs. the Broncos: A History of Success
Patrick Mahomes has generally enjoyed success against the Denver Broncos. He holds a 13-1 record against them. Throughout these 14 games, Mahomes has thrown for 3,771 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, resulting in a 93.2 passer rating.
However, the Broncos have occasionally given Mahomes trouble. In a Week 14 game, the Chiefs narrowly escaped with a 34-28 victory after Mahomes threw three interceptions. Despite throwing for 352 yards and three touchdowns, including a no-look pass to Jerick McKinnon, Mahomes acknowledged his mistakes. “You don’t win a lot of games when you’ve got three interceptions,” Mahomes said after the game.
Shannon Sharpe graded Mahomes’ performance a “C” in that game, pointing out that Mahomes’ turnovers nearly cost the Chiefs the win.
Chiefs’ Offensive Line in Transition
While the Broncos are bolstering their defense, the Chiefs’ offensive line is undergoing significant changes. After Mahomes was sacked a career-high 36 times last season, the Chiefs recognized the need to revamp their protection.
They drafted Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping he can solidify the left tackle position. Second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia is also competing for a starting role at left guard.
“It’s kind of like cliché, but it all starts up front. When the offensive line is blocking like that, it gets the offense going,” Mahomes said after a preseason game against the Bears. He praised the young linemen for their hard work and their ability to give him time in the pocket.
However, questions remain about the Chiefs’ offensive line. Joe Thuney’s departure to Chicago leaves a void at left guard, and the performance of the new starters is still uncertain.
AFC West Predictions
The AFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. While the Chiefs are still considered the favorites by some, the Broncos’ defensive improvements have made them a legitimate contender.
Nick Wright of Fox Sports predicts that the Chiefs will win their 10th straight division title, but other analysts are not so sure. Some predict the Broncos to win the AFC West with a 12-5 record, edging out the Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Chargers, with the addition of Jim Harbaugh as head coach, are also expected to be a tough opponent. The Las Vegas Raiders, led by Geno Smith, are looking to improve as well.
Kevin Clark of ESPN believes the AFC West is the toughest division in football to predict for the upcoming season.
Can the Broncos Dethrone the Chiefs?
The Broncos’ defensive overhaul has undoubtedly made them a more formidable opponent for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Their pass rush is ferocious, their run defense is stout, and their secondary is led by a Defensive Player of the Year.
However, the Chiefs still have Mahomes, one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. Even with a rebuilt offensive line, Mahomes has the ability to make plays and lead his team to victory.
The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling battle for the AFC West crown. Whether the Broncos’ defensive surge will be enough to unseat the Chiefs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mahomes will be under siege like never before.