Denver sports fans are basking in a golden era as all three major pro teams—the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche—are enjoying remarkable success this season. The Broncos are currently leading the AFC with an impressive 11-2 record, the Nuggets are off to their best start since their inception in the NBA at 17-6, and the Avalanche boasts a strong record of 21-2-7, topping the NHL standings in points.
Historically, the Broncos have had six seasons with at least an 11-2 start, making the playoffs each time and securing Super Bowl victories in two of those years (Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII). The only time all three major Denver teams had playoff success simultaneously was during the 1977-78 season. The Broncos under coach Red Miller went 12-2 and reached Super Bowl XII, while the Nuggets achieved a 48-34 record, taking them to the Western Conference finals. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies (now the New Jersey Devils) reached the playoffs despite struggling through the regular season.
Other notable historical benchmarks include several seasons, such as 1984-85 and 1996-97, where two teams excelled while one faltered. Interestingly, the threshold for playoff success could potentially include more seasons if lowered to ten wins for the Broncos, which would add years including 2005, when all three teams did manage to reach the playoffs.
Currently, oddsmakers indicate that both the Nuggets and Avalanche are strong contenders for their respective championships, while the Broncos, having entered the season as underdogs with the 11th-best odds, now find themselves tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +1,000, following a stellar performance.
National analysts have taken notice, ranking the Nuggets second in the latest NBA power rankings and placing the Avalanche at the top of the NHL rankings. The Broncos are receiving mixed rankings, positioned between second and sixth in various outlets, though one notable publication has expressed skepticism regarding their record’s sustainability.
A look at the stats reveals impressive individual performances as well. The Broncos’ defense has recorded 55 sacks, putting them on track for a franchise record. Quarterback Bo Nix has excelled, leading the team to five fourth-quarter comebacks. The Nuggets, spearheaded by star players like Jamal Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, have shown dominance, with Jokic averaging 29.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. It isn’t just individual stats; the team has a current road winning streak of ten games, showcasing their resilience.
In the NHL, Nathan MacKinnon leads the league with 51 points and 24 goals, contributing significantly to the Avalanche’s offensive strength, which includes ranking first in total goals scored and fewest goals allowed in the league.
With each team performing exceptionally well, Denver sports fans have much to be excited about, as the city currently stands as a powerhouse in professional sports. The combined strength of these teams reflects a bright future, and fans are hopeful that this momentum will lead to championships across the board.