Denver Broncos: Why the first three games are crucial
The Denver Broncos have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this season, and their first three games are crucial to starting the season off on the right foot.
The Denver Broncos have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this season, and their first three games against the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets are extremely winnable and gives the team an opportunity to start the season off on the right foot.
Vic Fangio is 0-7 in his career as Head Coach of the Denver Broncos in September.
Oh. And. Seven. That’s awful, and it should change this season.
The 2019 and 2020 seasons did have some tough opponents for the Broncos in September, but, this year should be a different story.
The Broncos’ first three games of the season–all in September, are against teams undergoing massive rebuilds.
The Denver Broncos have one of the best and deepest rosters in the NFL, and their personnel is significantly better than their first three opponents.
Furthermore, I could argue that the Broncos actually have a more stable quarterback situation as well–Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are rookies, and even though they may turn into quality starters, there’s still unknown with them.
The other quarterback they play is Daniel Jones.
Being that the Broncos are in a division with at least two other playoff-caliber teams, starting 3-0 to begin the season is crucial if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Additionally, Denver will have a tougher stretch of play after the first three games, highlighted by games against the Ravens, Steelers, Browns, and Washington.
I truly think the Broncos could take two of these games, but if they slip up, starting 3-0 would give them a nice cushion that would allow them to remain competitive throughout the season.
If the Broncos don’t start 3-0 or even 2-1, the team is set even further behind.
Remember, we have 4 games this year against the Chiefs and Chargers, both good teams.
They also play all of the AFC North this year–the AFC North is one of the best divisions in football and had three playoff teams last year.
The Steelers, Ravens, and Browns are going to be tough matchups.
Washington has one of the better defenses in the NFL, so they’ll be tough as well.
Denver also plays teams like the Cowboys, Bengals, and Eagles, teams that have talent but are inconsistent.
My point here is that the team has an exceptional opportunity that they haven’t been given in prior years.
Before this year, the Denver Broncos, for a few years had one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, and I always wondered when the team was going to get a break.
The Broncos, in 2021, have the 5th easiest strength of schedule. Their opponents this year had a combined 2020 winning percentage of .471
I can’t stress enough how amazing of an opportunity this is for the 2021 Denver Broncos.
Between their reloaded roster and apparently improved play at quarterback, Denver needs to capitalize on their easy schedule.