NFL Legend and Super Bowl XLV Champion Sends Shockwaves by Publicly Expressing Desire to Join Detroit, Ready to Pour All His Experience into Helping the Lions Rebuild and Return to Their Proper Place

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos greets head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots after the game at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) The Denver Broncos may still be viewed as an underdog by parts of the national media, but one of the most respected voices in football is clearly buying in.  Legendary coach Bill Belichick delivered high praise for Denver’s postseason chances during an appearance with Jim Gray on the Let’s Go show.  He called the Broncos, along with the Seattle Seahawks, “definitely the two teams to beat” in the playoffs.  “When you look at Denver and Seattle, those are two good football teams that are very well balanced,” Belichick said.  “Denver’s been incredible with the number of close games they’ve won.”  If anyone knows playoff football and what it takes to win in January and February, it is Belichick.  “They’re both very good defensive teams, which I think is always an advantage when you play in the playoffs and play at home, and play outside.”  His endorsement is definitely a positive sign, especially coming from someone who rarely offers public praise without significant reason.  Belichick Among First National Voices to Fully Buy Into Denver Denver has continued to prove time and time again on the field that they are one of the best teams in football.  But Belichick stands out as one of the first high-profile voices to treat the Broncos like a real Super Bowl team.  The Broncos have consistently found ways to win close games as they tied the NFL single-season record for most one-score wins. Denver went a remarkable 11-2 in one-score games.  Their defense has been amongst the league’s best as they were top 11 in the eight statistical defensive categories.  The Broncos were the No. 3 ranked scoring defense in the NFL, only averaging 18.3 points per game.  They led the NFL in opponents yards per game, averaging just 278.2 and opponents yards per play with just 4.5.  Bo Nix has been one of the cutest quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the league with seven game-winning drives.  This is a team built to handle playoff football and Belichick agrees  Sean Payton Makes History Alongside Belichick Denver’s amazing 2025 season has placed Sean Payton alongside Bill Belichick in rare historical company.  Payton became just the second head coach in NFL history to record five different 13-win seasons. This was a milestone previously achieved only by Belichick.  What makes the accomplishment more notable is the path Payton took to reach it.  Four of those 13-win seasons came in New Orleans, but this one arrived in Denver after a major rebuild.  Just three years ago, the Broncos only won five games.  They are now 14-3, have the AFC’S No. 1 seed and are one of the Super Bowl favorites.  He has transformed the Broncos from a struggling franchise into a legitimate contender in just three seasons.  The consistency across eras, rosters, and conferences shows the impact of Payton’s system and leadership, putting himself alongside one of the all time greats.  That all time great has shown real belief in the Broncos as they head into the playoffs.