The Denver Broncos are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history and we have seen a lot of amazing Broncos playoff runs. Though they have become synonymous with the AFC Championship and Super Bowls, it hasn’t always been a breeze.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the Broncos playoff record and the litany of memorable experiences at Mile High.
Early Struggles and First Playoff Appearances (1960-1976)
It was a rough start for the Denver Broncos as a franchise. Their first season came in 1960 and would lead to 13 seasons where the Broncos lost more games than they won. Though they would turn in winning records in 1973, 1974, and 1976, it wouldn’t be until 1977 that the team would make its first trip to the playoffs.
Incredibly, the Broncos did more than make the playoffs. They advanced past the AFC divisional round, won their first AFC Championship, and made the franchise’s first Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Broncos would go on to lose to the Dallas Cowboys in their first of many Super Bowls.
The Elway Era and Rising Success (1983-1998)
John Elway came to Denver ahead of the 1983 season and things took a major turn. The team had played in the playoffs just three times in the first 25 years of the franchise and a change was needed. Elway brought about a major turn in Denver Broncos playoff history that may not be replicated.
The Denver Broncos won the AFC Championship three times in four seasons from 1986-1989. Though they would reach the Super Bowl three times in that span, not once did they win. They had tough battles in the AFC divisional and AFC championship rounds but ultimately prevailed. But in the end, the Broncos became a regular in the playoffs that couldn’t capture championships.
Breakthrough and Super Bowl Victories (1997-1998)
By this time, John Elway and the Broncos had made Mile High Stadium a tough place to play. That said, The Hall of Fame quarterback had done everything other than earn Super Bowl wins. In 1997, the Broncos cruised through the divisional round and the AFC championship before reaching their fifth championship game: Super Bowl XXXII.
They would win that year and go on to repeat with a Super Bowl XXXIII win. Elway went out on top, having won in a way that few players could hope for. He became a staple in January and wound up becoming one of the best to do it.
The Denver superfan Barrel Man seen at the regular season opener at Mile High Stadium against New England in 1997.
Continued Excellence in the 2000s
With Elway gone, the Broncos would be a staple in the wild card round but that would be about it. Solid records and regular playoff appearances were regular. The team would make its first AFC Championship game since 1998 during the 2005 season.
The Broncos remained a beacon among solid teams. They won tons of games, made the playoffs a few times, and built on an impressive playoff record over that period.
Peyton Manning Era and Super Bowl 50 Victory (2012-2015)
Peyton Manning led the Denver Broncos to an impressive playoff record in his time. Despite playing just four seasons in Denver, Manning won the division multiple times and made the playoffs each year.
It was 2015 that will live on in Denver Broncos history, however. With Manning in the twilight of his career, the defense became the focal point. The Broncos won Super Bowl 50, a memorable game in several respects.
In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning carries the Vince Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl 50 onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Denver. Manning has gone to TV commercials full time. Adrian Peterson and J.J. Watt are injured. Aaron Rodgers is struggling. Too many of the NFL’s headline grabbers aren’t in the news, or aren’t producing the kind of plays and drama football fans crave. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Recent Years and Playoff Appearances (2016-Present)
Unfortunately, there have been no Denver Broncos playoff appearances since Super Bowl 50. The playoffs have been a distant memory amidst several rebuilding efforts. It looks as though the upcoming season will also see major changes.
Still, the Broncos are among the more successful teams in the playoffs like the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots. When will the Broncos return to the playoffs once again?
Significant Broncos Playoff Games and Rivalries
In addition to AFC Divisional wins and legendary AFC Championships at the expense of Cleveland, Steelers, Raiders, and others, everyone will remember the Super Bowls.
The five losses were tough, but Super Bowl wins over the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers will live on in franchise history. Home games in the playoffs became a major advantage for the blue and orange.
Impact Players in Playoff History
Quarterbacks have been a focal point in several Denver Broncos seasons of the past. Elway and Peyton Manning were MVP-caliber players who led the Broncos to the playoffs time and time again. They both won several division titles and all three Super Bowl titles between them.
That said, the Broncos won because of other impact players. Terrell Davis and Von Miller left fond memories, especially the latter’s sack against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Broncos’ Playoff Legacy and Cultural Impact
It would take a longer list to go through every playoff game and analyze the Broncos’ impact. Regular AFC Divisional appearances became a staple throughout the years, but eight Super Bowl appearances (and three wins) put them above nearly every team.
In Denver, Broncos football has become a staple of daily life. Each Broncos playoff game has been an event, one where a rabid crowd makes a difference. “Let’s go Broncos!” is a cry heard all throughout Colorado.
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Reflecting on the Broncos’ Playoff Journey
There have been many great times for the Broncos throughout the years. Division titles, AFC divisional victories, AFC title games, and Super Bowls galore.
Though it has been a few years since the Broncos have won in the playoffs, few franchises can match their history. The good news is that there is plenty of time to turn the playoffs into their time once again.
