Predicting the Denver Broncos 2014 Schedule
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL is set to release its official 2014 schedule on Wednesday, and with that being said I thought it would be fun to predict what the Broncos’ schedule could look like. There are a couple of important things to note before we get started.
1. The Broncos lost the Super Bowl. I’m 99.9 percent positive they won’t be in the season kickoff. That’ll be hosted in Seattle and the Broncos will likely play at home.
2. Denver plays the 1st place division schedule for the AFC, the NFC West, and the AFC East in addition to their six divisional games.
3. The Broncos will play against 10 teams that finished 8-8 or better in 2013.
4. Home opponents: Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Bills, Dolphins, Cardinals, 49ers, Colts
5. Away opponents: Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Patriots, Jets, Rams, Seahawks, Bengals
Predicting the Schedule
Week 1: Colts @ Broncos (Sunday Night Football)
There’s no question the Broncos will open the season in prime time, the biggest question is against who? That is a pretty simple formula when you consider the teams Denver is hosting this year, the playoff atmosphere/intrigue, and the fact that the Colts are Manning’s former team.
The Colts were one of 4 teams in 2013 to get the best of the Broncos also.
Week 2: Broncos @ Rams
The Broncos go on the road for a lower key NFC matchup in week 2 against a very good Rams game. This game will be tough because it’ll likely be in the 1PM ET slot as well. Also, the Rams are getting pretty decent.
Week 3: Broncos @ Bengals (Monday Night Football)
ESPN seems to always get an early season Broncos matchup, and this is a pretty interesting one. The Bengals were one of the toughest teams in the league last year at home…until the playoffs.
Week 4: Broncos vs. Bills
Heading back home in week three, the Broncos take on the Bills. This would be a game I would probably pencil in a win.
Week 5: Broncos @ Raiders
The Broncos’ first divisional matchup comes in week five with a showdown in Oakland.
Week 6: Broncos vs. Cardinals
The Broncos return home in week six to face the Cardinals, a team that won 10 games a year ago and missed the playoffs. They’ll be hungry and I think tough again this season. This is a good matchup heading into the bye.
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Broncos vs. 49ers
The Broncos have a whole bye week to prepare for a huge late afternoon game against the Niners. This is your first Super Bowl preview of the Broncos’ season in my opinion.
Week 9: Broncos @ Patriots (Sunday Night Football)
A grueling stretch continues as the Broncos head to New England for what seems to be their annual trip for Sunday Night Football in Foxboro.
Week 10: Broncos @ Chiefs
The Broncos’ first matchup with the Chiefs, like last year, comes later than you might expect, but this game will have huge playoff implications.
Week 11: Broncos vs. Raiders
The Broncos cap off their season series with the Raiders at home in week 11.
Week 12: Broncos vs. Chargers (Thursday Night Football)
The Broncos and Chargers seemingly always play in one prime time game per year, and the NFL Network will certainly get their hands on it again if they can.
Week 13: Broncos @ Seahawks (Sunday Night Football)
The biggest prime time game and most anticipated matchup of the season. A Super Bowl rematch.
Week 14: Broncos vs. Chiefs
Big divisional matchup down the stretch coming off a really tough road game. Will be a much needed home-coming for the Broncos.
Week 15: Broncos vs. Dolphins
The Broncos stay at home for a game against Knowshon Moreno and the Miami Dolphins.
Week 16: Broncos @ Jets
Capping off the season with two tough road tests, the Broncos head back to the place where they were drubbed in the Super Bowl to take on Eric Decker and the Jets.
Week 17: Broncos @ Chargers
The NFL caps off the season with a divisional showdown that could have major playoff implications. The Broncos head to San Diego to face the late-blooming Chargers.