Super Bowl Predictions: How the Broncos Win Super Bowl 2026

There's no better time to drop Super Bowl predictions. And while Denver may be the long shot underdog entering Conference Championship weekend, I'm laying out how the Broncos can win Super Bowl 2026 as part of our Conference Championship predictions.  

🏆 How the Broncos win Super Bowl 2026

Follow all of our NFL analysis and betting advice for the 2026 NFL playoffs.

Stingy defense

There's no two ways about it - the Broncos have one of the best defenses in football. It's a massive reason why they've made it to the AFC Championship Game. Denver ranks fifth in total defense, fourth in scoring defense, and second in red-zone defense; the Broncos own the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain and can demolish you over the middle with players like hard-hitting safety Talanoa Hufanga.

The defensive unit is the backbone of this team and will need to play lights out against NFL MVP odds candidate Drake Maye if they want to play for the Super Bowl. Maye finally faced off against a strong defense in the Divisional Round and turned the ball over three times while recording four fumbles (two lost).

If the Broncos can manage the game on offense and limit turnovers, they not only have a chance to make the Super Bowl but to win it, too.

Protect. The. Football.

The only way - I mean, the only way - the Broncos have a shot at getting through the Patriots and winning the Super Bowl is if backup QB Jarrett Stidham - and the rest of the offense, for that matter - is smart with the football. Limiting turnovers from the man who was thrust into the spotlight is of paramount importance for this Broncos team. Denver was a net-positive (+0.1) when it came to their turnover margin this season and will have to win that battle in a do-or-die game where every snap is under a microscope.

✖️ Broncos X-factor: J.K. Dobbins

With Stidham starting, it'll be up to the Broncos' playmakers to keep the engine chugging through the AFC Championship Game and into the Super Bowl. Enter Dobbins, who was supposed to be out for the rest of the season after a foot injury - he hasn't played since Nov. 6. Despite not playing for two months, he's still the leading rusher with 772 yards and leads the team in runs of 10 or more yards (21).

His practice window is now open, giving him a shot to play come Sunday and a much better chance to return if the Broncos make the Super Bowl. Needless to say, it'll be a huge boost for that offense. If he does indeed suit up, he'll be an absolute game-changer.

📊 Broncos Super Bowl odds

See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this postseason.

The Broncos were closer to +500 before Bo Nix went down with a fractured ankle. At +1200, I'd be sprinkling at least .5u on these betting odds. Make no mistake, Denver is still alive and still owns the second-best defense out of the four teams remaining. If you believe the Broncos beat the Patriots in this one (you can read why the Patriots will win the Super Bowl, too), I'd invest in them now before these odds shorten significantly. 

📜 Broncos Super Bowl history

Here's a look at every previous Super Bowl appearance for the Broncos: