The 1996 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 27th season in the National Football League, the 37th overall and their 2nd under head coach Mike Shanahan. The Broncos improved on their 8–8 record from 1995 and finished the season with a 13–3 record. They also clinched the AFC West for the first time since 1991, and earning the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. In the playoffs, the Broncos were upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round, 30–27. Prior to their defeat, they were the top-seeded team in the NFL and were heavily favored to go to and win the Super Bowl by many analysts, breaking the AFC losing streak from the 1980s. The loss rendered the 1996 Broncos team as a historic failure, as it was a major Super Bowl or bust year.

Offseason

NFL draft

Personnel

Staff

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

Standings

Postseason

Schedule

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs (5) Jacksonville Jaguars

Awards and records

AP Offensive Player of the Year – Terrell Davis UPI AFL-AFC Offensive MVP – Terrell Davis (1996 was the last year this award was given out) Terrell Davis set franchise rushing record for most carries (345) in a season and most rushing touchdowns (13) in a season

Milestones

Terrell Davis reached 1,000 yards faster than any Denver Bronco running back in franchise history