While many fans would point to the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Chargers as the standouts in the AFC West, Patrick Surtain II remains confident in the Denver Broncos.

Despite featuring in a division that is stacked with talent – and only getting stronger – the NFL Defensive Player of the Year believes his side can ‘change the dynamic’.

‘We know it’s a great challenge ahead,’ he told DailyMail.com. ‘We’ve got to be ready for that and get our mindset towards our schedule with some tough opponents.

‘We understand the team that we have on the horizon and we’re looking to change the dynamic of the NFL a little bit.

‘We believe we can compete against anybody and everybody on the field. Whoever we match up with, we feel like we have a good shot’.

A strong statement from the Denver star. But, given they reached the playoffs for the first time in nine years last season, it’s no surprise Surtain has a fire under his belly.

In the 2024 season, the cornerback took his game to a new level as he recorded a number of career-highs and was rewarded with the DPOY accolade.

In doing so, he became just the second Bronco ever to claim the award, following in the footsteps of former linebacker Randy Gradishar back in 1978.

Gradishar played an integral role in the Bronco’s making their first ever Super Bowl in 1977 and, much like the retired star, Surtain is also looking to reach the big game.

‘We reached the playoffs last year and had a good run but we’re looking to achieve more going in to this season,’ he explained.

In order to get there, they’ll have to be better than the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be equally as eager to have an emphatic year after their Super Bowl defeat last season.

And, one of the standout fixtures on the NFL calendar will see the Broncos travel to Arrowhead for a mouthwatering clash against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.

‘Obviously, it’s a special day celebrating Christmas, so why not [spend it] doing something you love? On top of that, we play the Chiefs – a division rival,’ Surtain said.

‘Playing against the Chiefs, you know, a team like that with so many accolades and so many championships… I think it’ll be a great matchup.

‘The anticipation is going to be crazy for that one’.

With two Christmas appearances in a row for the Chiefs, perhaps most fans would back them to rise to the occasion at the end of the calendar year.

However, having won once and lost once, including a defeat at Arrowhead to the Raiders back in 2023, Surtain II insists the Broncos will not back down.

‘Yeah, it gives us a lot of confidence looking forward, not just against the Chiefs, but against any team,’ he explained. ‘Just based off the team we have and the chemistry’.

The Broncos made big strides last year but is it enough to rely on that momentum to carry them through the new season? Well, Surtain doesn’t seem to think so.

‘You know, after a long season like that, you’ve got to definitely take the opportunity to relax, get some advice, get some rest and get a mental reset.

‘I think that’s very important going towards the off season, but when it’s time to chime back in again and get back on the grind, I focus on getting stronger and faster each and every year and refining some of the tools that I know I’m good at’.

Surtain took the time to speak with DailyMail.com prior to Wednesday evening’s ESPY’s – where the Denver star was nominated for ‘Best NFL Player’.

Prior to the event, the cornerback said: ‘It means a lot to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

‘It goes in correlation to the season I had and what I worked for, and to be mentioned in such a selective group with a bunch of great NFL players, it honestly means a lot’.