Denver Broncos To Host Baltimore Ravens In 2013 NFL Season Opener

Dennis Pitta (88) catches a pass above Denver Broncos safety Jim Leonhard (36) during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos will reportedly open their season against the Baltimore Ravens in Denver on September 5. This comes from Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports.

Elvis Dumervil will make his return to Denver much much sooner than expected as the Broncos look for early revenge from their early playoff ousting in 2012. Breaking away from tradition, the defending Super Bowl champions will not play their first game at home thanks to a conflicting baseball schedule. The Baltimore Orioles wouldn’t step aside and let the city’s football team host the opener. This is the first time since 2003 that the defending Super Bowl champion won’t kick off the NFL season on Thursday night at home.

The full NFL schedule will be released Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. MST. Storylines of interest include the Manning Bowl, when Peyton and Eli Manning square off against each other in New York. Another big storyline is the return of head coach Mike Shanahan when the Broncos host the Washington Redskins. Of course, Peyton will return to the house that he built in Indianapolis and Wes Welker will play his former team in New England. Expect a possible Broncos vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game as well. The Broncos will likely play six primetime games this season, which is the most that any one particular team is allowed.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.