Evaluating the Denver Broncos 2018 Opponents

The Denver Broncos schedule was released today. With so many key matchups on the 16 game docket, I take a look and give my thoughts on the games.

The NFL announced the schedule for each team tonight. I’ll take a look at the Denver Broncos’ schedule and give my thoughts on the matchups.

Starting off Week One vs the Seattle Seahawks: This will probably be a tough game. Despite the Seahawks’ losses on defense, keeping quarterback Russell Wilson from running the football himself will be a problem for Denver. On the offensive side for the Denver Broncos, the acquisition of Case Keenum (and whoever the team takes in the draft), could be the factor towards the Broncos getting their first home win of the season.

Divisional Games: I like the idea of splitting divisional games. What this means is, the Broncos win their home games against the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders, while the divisional road games will be a problem for them. Playing in Kansas City is always a tough task for any team. I think that if the Broncos are going to get an away win vs a divisional opponent, it will be against the Los Angeles Chargers. On the plus side for Broncos at Raiders is the Raiders’ release of wide receiver Michael Crabtree. That loss could be deadly for the Bay team.

Tough games on Broncos Schedule: weeks 5-7 and 9

at Jets is the first of three straight tough matchups for the Broncos. The Jets defense is not an easy one to face but the absense of Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson on their defensive line could make running the ball a lot easier. The Broncos won’t have CJ Anderson (released) in the backfield. They will, however, have Devontae Booker, in addition to a 2018 draft pick, behind quarterback Case Keenum.

Vs Rams: Quarterback Case Keenum will face one of his former teams week 6 against the Rams. The Rams are another team with a tough defense, with former Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the same role for LA.

at Cardinals: Another tough defense. Patrick Peterson will be on Demaryius Thomas. That’s bad news, as Peterson is regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Running back David Johnson will be back from a wrist injury that knocked him out for most of the season. If Denver can keep Johnson in check, they should come out with a win.

Key games down the stretch

vs Texans:  This could be a tough game all across the board. Houston has two young playmakers in quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. I love the Chris Harris Jr.-Hopkins matchup. If the Broncos can keep Hopkins from having a big game, and stop Watson from running the football, they should win the battles on defense. Now, this is what concerns me: JJ Watt vs the Broncos’ offensive line. Despite Watt coming back from injury, you cannot count him out. It could be bad news for Denver.

Vs Steelers:  The Three B’s could prove to be a real problem for Denver, but Denver has a strong run defense with Shelby Harris and Derek Wolfe on the defensive line, and Harris Jr covering Antonio Brown. If Denver can lock up Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, they have a real shot at a victory.

at 49ers: Week 14 is a great week for a football game in a warm place. That place is San Francisco. Carlos Hyde is no longer on the 49ers. Neither is Elvis Dumervil. Those are two key pieces the Broncos won’t have to deal with.

Vs Browns: Yes, the Browns went the entire 2017 season without winning a game. However, they still play tough. The Broncos will need to be focused in this matchup and can’t allow “it’s only the Browns” to enter their heads.

Next: NFL Announces Denver Broncos 2018 Schedule

There is still plenty of time before the season begins. There are plenty of things that will take place from now to week one. A factor that likely will change the outcome of games is the players who aren’t yet on the team (draft). Injuries will happen to every team. Whether or not the injuries the Denver Broncos endure are huge or not remains to be seen. They’re unpredictable.

What’s obvious, however, is that anything can happen in the National Football League. We will see what the Denver Broncos do before week one.