September 30 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 37-6. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos returned to the NFL playoffs behind Tim Tebow’s magic in 2011. They got back among the league’s elite in 2012 thanks to Peyton Manning.
With Manning leading the charge, Denver was better on both sides of the ball last season than they’ve been in years, and they’ll enter 2013 as legit Super Bowl contenders – if not favorites. While Denver always fills the seats at home with little effort, their return to the top has their home game average at $328 per game, and you won’t see anyone batting an eye.
With the Broncos only on the way up with Wes Welker being added to the team, let’s take a look at how they might fare within the AFC West in 2013 and what it will cost to attend those games.
Home Games
- (9/23) vs. Oakland Raiders | Avg: $365 | Get-in: $126
The Raiders aren’t a good team, but the intense rivalry between Oakland and Denver is well documented. The Broncos will almost surely emerge victorious from this one, but the fans from both sides will be eager to see this one set off. Due to the hype, this one comes in at 11% more than the home average.
- (11/17) vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Avg: $280 | Get-in: $83
The price tag doesn’t suggest it, but this is another near-guarantee win for the Broncos. KC got better over the off-season, but they’re no match for the Broncos on the road. This one understandably comes in at 14% under Denver’s home average, giving fans a relative bargain.
- (12/12) vs. San Diego Chargers | Avg: $277 | Get-in: $81
Denver’s only legit threat in the division, the Chargers come to town with upset on the brain. It’s unlikely they accomplish that goal in Denver, though. With that said, this matchup’s hype meets up with the price, yet this one actually comes in at 16% below Denver’s home game season average.
Road Games
- (11/10) @ San Diego Chargers | Avg: $235 | Get-in: $85
Denver’s first meeting with the Chargers is cheaper by $42, but the intensity should still be there. Denver isn’t quite as likely to take this one in San Diego, but they’re the better overall team, so the odds are still in their favor.
- (12/1) @ Kansas City Chiefs | Avg: $131 | Get-in: $26
Denver travels to KC to hopefully complete what should be a season sweep of the Chiefs. Fans get a mega deal here, as they’re paying a whopping $149 less than the battle in Denver.
- (12/29) @ Oakland Raiders | Avg: $148 | Get-in: $36
Everyone knows the Raiders aren’t really a match for the Broncos in any regard, but this is still a storied matchup and it also ends the 2013 NFL regular season for both teams. Being Denver’s season finale, it’s a surprisingly low $148. It should be worth the price for both Raiders and Broncos fans as both AFC West foes try to end the season on a high note.