How will the Denver Broncos handle having a rookie head coach and the toughest schedule in the NFL? Let’s break it down game by game.
The Denver Broncos 2017 schedule is officially out!! I’m going to take a look at the schedule, make some way too early predictions and share my initial thoughts upon seeing each game. Let’s get to it!
Week 1 – Sept. 11th L.A. Chargers at Mile High (or whatever it’s going to be called)
In a recent poll, held by myself, asking ONLY myself, I voted Philip Rivers “The Player with the Most Punchable Face in Football”. The non-stop on field whining when he’s losing and over the top celebrating when he wins makes him the player I most love to hate. And we get him and the San Die…whoops…LOS ANGELES Chargers week 1. On Monday Night Football. At home. In Vance Joseph and Company’s debut.
I’ll take Denver 21-10 as I scream myself horse telling Rivers to stop complaining about the absurd amount of sacks he’ll take in this game.
Week 2 – Sept. 17th Dallas Cowboys at Denver
Get ready to hear all about “America’s Team” *eye roll* for a week straight. The only saving grace is that it’s a short week of listening to that. The bad news is that it’s a short week to prepare for one of the best teams in the league. I want to pick Denver in this one. But unless Dak and Zeke suffer sophomore slumps I think it may be just a bit too much to deal with right off the bat.
Dallas 24-20. That line may just neutralize Von and Denver’s pass rush.
Week 3 – Sept. 24th Denver at Buffalo
Meh. We all watched what Rick Dennison could do as an offensive coordinator the last few years in Denver and it was terrible. Seriously. I would force my small children to cover their eyes when the Broncos had the ball last year. Here’s a preview of what Buffalo can expect to see: Hand off, running back gains two yards. Repeat. Throw the ball three yards short of the first down marker. Punt. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Denver wins this one 21-3.
Week 4 – Oct. 1st Oakland at Denver
I happen to be married to a Raiders fan. Thank you for your sympathy. This could be a tough one if Oakland gets a running back. And not Marshawn Lynch. I actually think Marshawn going to Oakland HELPS Denver. A 31-year old running back who has been out of football for a year and wasn’t that productive the last time he played? Please. Nod goes to the home team on this one.
Denver 24-21.
Week 5 – BYE WEEK
Seriously? In week 5? Seems a bit early for me to start procrastinating on yard work, but whatever. ON TO THE SPEED ROUND!!
Weeks 6 and 7 – Oct 15th Giants at home, Oct. 22nd at the LA Chargers
In case you’re interested, Eli gave me a game used helmet he signed from this game already. Seems legit. Broncos win 17-14.
Week 7 means the Chargers should already be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and they’re in spoiler mode. Hate to type it, but I think Bosa gets to the offense a bit too much this game. Classic trap game with a Monday night showdown against the Chiefs looming. Chargers 21-20.
Weeks 8 and 9 – Oct. 30th at KC and Nov. 5th at Philadelphia
It’s the Andy Reid Bowl. As long as we don’t try any 60+ yard field goals to win it or kick the ball to Tyreek Hill, I like our chances. Still, it’s in KC and that’s a tough task for a rookie coach. Chiefs win 24-17.
I expect a bit of a sophomore regression for Carson Wentz. I could be wrong. It’s happened before. My wife will tell you many times before. Denver bounces back and takes this one 28-14.
Weeks 10 and 11 – Nov. 12th and 19th at home for both New England and Cincinnati
These guys again? Brady and Co. are a tough task for anyone. Unless you play the game in Denver against the Broncos. The only place they seem to struggle. Denver gets hyped for this one and actually scores a touchdown this year!! Denver wins 17-14.
Domata Peko faces his former team and chokes Andy Dalton with his hair. Denver wins 24-17.
Week 12 – Nov. 26th Denver at Oakland, maybe.
Who knows if the city of Oakland lets the Raiders finish out in their current stadium. Regardless, this is going to be a great late season showdown with lots of playoff implications. I’m obligated to say Oakland takes this one as my wife has a knife pressed to my back. If you’re reading this, send help. Oakland wins 28-21.
Weeks 13 – 16 at Miami, home for the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS, on the road against Indy and Washington.
Yawn. Outside of playing against Andrew Luck, no game here really excites me too much. The biggest part of this stretch is that Miami, NY and Indy could all hold playoff implications. Yes I included the Jets. Maybe I’m being generous, maybe it’s the loss of blood from the stab wound. Who knows. Denver needs at least 2 or 3 of these games. Give me the Broncos taking 3 of 4, take your pick on who they lose to.
Next: Top Games for Broncos Fans to Watch
Week 17 – Dec. 31st Kansas City at Denver
Hold onto your seats for this one. This one decides if Denver heads back to the playoffs or not. Of course we win. Why?? Because it’s April and everyone (sorry Cleveland, not you) is thinking playoffs! Denver wins 24-21 on a Brandon McManus field goal and celebrates by running the length of the sideline and make sure to high five Tyreek Hill as Denver seals a playoff spot! 11-5 season in the bag and Vance Joseph starts his tenure off with a bang. Can’t wait to get this season started!!