Peyton Manning Says Denver Broncos Will be 'Even Better' Next Year

5 min read
Feb 24, 2025, 12:30 PM
Peyton Manning makes a bold prediction about the Denver Broncos and gives his thoughts on what they need to get to the next level

Peyton Manning makes a bold prediction about the Denver Broncos and gives his thoughts on what they need to get to the next level (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Peyton Manning knows all about having success as a member of the Denver Broncos.

Although Manning spent the majority of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts (1998 through 2011), he had four notable and productive years with the Broncos during his last several years in the NFL. Not only did he lead Denver to four consecutive playoff appearances, he went to two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl 50 in his final game at the conclusion of the 2015 season.

The current Broncos are finally starting to look like a winning product, fresh off of a 10-7 season, their first playoff appearance since Manning's final year back in 2015. When asked what the Broncos need to do to get to that "next level" with young quarterback Bo Nix, the five-time MVP says it's hard to give a definitive answer, but he believes head coach Sean Payton is the right guy to do it.

"I don't know," says Manning in a one-on-one interview with RG when asked what they need to get to an elite level.

"I think Sean Payton knows exactly what they need and I think he and general manager George Paton will go and get it this offseason in the draft."

For as much success as Nix had in his rookie season, it's clear that he needs another viable receiving weapon at wide receiver or tight end. The Broncos have Courtland Sutton as their No. 1 receiver, but there's not much beyond him. Denver's second-leading receiver was actually running back Javonte Williams with 52 catches and in terms of receiving yardage, it was Marvin Mims with 503 yards.

Nix had one of the best rookie seasons of all time by a quarterback with 33 total touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. However, if the Broncos want to compete with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills – they lost to the Bills in the playoffs 31-7 – they're going to have to get some upgrades in the receiving department through the draft or free agency.

Manning makes a bold prediction and says the Broncos will be "even better" next year despite playing in a stacked division.

"I think what they were able to accomplish this year, it was pretty awesome," says Manning of the 2024 Broncos.

"It's a tough division, but I think they'll go out and try to get some different players and be even better next year."

We'll see if Manning's prediction holds true, but the Broncos will definitely face some stiff competition within the division. Jim Harbaugh's Los Angeles Chargers are looking to improve after making a playoff appearance of their own, the Las Vegas Raiders are seeking to contend after hiring former Super Bowl champion head coach Pete Carroll and the Chiefs are returning as the AFC Champions.

If the Broncos strike it big with a playmaking receiver or tight end with the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft or somehow pull off a trade for a star receiver like the San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel – he's asked for a trade – Denver could very well emerge as Super Bowl contenders next season.

DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Sports Reporter

DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports

Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

04/28/2025
“He’ll Take His Time, He’ll Make The Right Decision,” Says Jordy Nelson On Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Future
Packers legend Jordy Nelson shares insights on Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain NFL future and advises the star QB to follow his passion
“He’ll Take His Time, He’ll Make The Right Decision,” Says Jordy Nelson On Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Future
04/24/2025
“A Great Addition for the Rams”: Puka Nacua on Possible Ramsey Comeback
Puka Nacua talks Rams’ future, teaming with Davante Adams, and battling Cooper Kupp’s Seahawks twice in 2025
“A Great Addition for the Rams”: Puka Nacua on Possible Ramsey Comeback
04/23/2025
“We Need That Spark To Ignite Cowboys” – DeMarcus Ware Demands Ground-And-Pound Revival In Dallas
Cowboys icon DeMarcus Ware pushes Dallas to revive their rushing offense, calling for a dynamic pick at No. 12 in the NFL Draft
“We Need That Spark To Ignite Cowboys” – DeMarcus Ware Demands Ground-And-Pound Revival In Dallas
04/22/2025
“You’re So Scarred From Playing Lamar”: Steelers Need a QB Who Makes Rivals Worry, Says Orlovsky
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes the Steelers must draft a dynamic QB like Jalen Milroe to challenge Lamar Jackson and Baltimore
“You’re So Scarred From Playing Lamar”: Steelers Need a QB Who Makes Rivals Worry, Says Orlovsky
04/17/2025
"It Would Be Dope" — Ashton Jeanty Talks Potential Cowboys Draft and Hometown Dreams
Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty aims to rush for 1,000 yards as a rookie and dreams of a 2,000-yard NFL season in the future
"It Would Be Dope" — Ashton Jeanty Talks Potential Cowboys Draft and Hometown Dreams
04/07/2025
“I Just Wanted to Show I Could Move”: Xander Mueller Poised to Be Next Northwestern Star to Reach the NFL
Xander Mueller, mentored by NU greats, eyes the 2025 NFL Draft after standout college career and strong Pro Day
“I Just Wanted to Show I Could Move”: Xander Mueller Poised to Be Next Northwestern Star to Reach the NFL
04/06/2025
Ronde Barber Backs Bucs: Hall of Famer Says Tampa Bay Can Compete With NFC’s Best, Led by Mike Evans
Ronde Barber believes the Buccaneers are built to win now, with stars like Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield leading the charge
Ronde Barber Backs Bucs: Hall of Famer Says Tampa Bay Can Compete With NFC’s Best, Led by Mike Evans
04/01/2025
"It Was Really Exciting": Danny Stutsman on Meeting With Dallas Cowboys at NFL Combine
NFL Draft prospect and former Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman names the teams he met with at the NFL Combine and how the Dallas Cowboys meeting stood out to him
"It Was Really Exciting": Danny Stutsman on Meeting With Dallas Cowboys at NFL Combine
03/27/2025
“Saquon Changed the Conversation About Running Backs” – Barry Sanders on Barkley’s Impact, Mount Rushmore of RBs
Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders details how the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley has brought value back to running backs and names his Mount Rushmore for the position
“Saquon Changed the Conversation About Running Backs” – Barry Sanders on Barkley’s Impact, Mount Rushmore of RBs
03/26/2025
“They Both Want to Win”: Patrick Surtain II Praises Bo Nix-Sean Payton Duo Driving Broncos’ Resurgence
Patrick Surtain II highlights how Bo Nix and Sean Payton’s shared mindset sparked a playoff return for the Broncos
“They Both Want to Win”: Patrick Surtain II Praises Bo Nix-Sean Payton Duo Driving Broncos’ Resurgence

NFL Writers

Aaron WIlson
Aaron WIlson
NFL Reporter

Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore. He has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. A Washington, D.C. native, Wilson played college football at East Carolina University where he was a linebacker. Aaron and his wife live in Houston and enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants.

Meet All Our Experts