Now that the Broncos are on an upward trajectory for the first time in a decade, it’s time to create new streaks and records. Let’s take a look at where the Broncos are going into this season and where they stack up historically. Happy Labor Day! Kick your feet up and enjoy these opening day nuggets of knowledge that I dug up just for you!
- Longest Opening Day Win Streak The Broncos won 7 straight season openers from 2011 to 2017 — the longest such streak in franchise history.
If the Broncos win on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, they will have a win streak of… one. Presently, the Broncos are riding an opening day losing streak dating
back to 2022. The Broncos could enjoy their first opening day win since 2021 when the Broncos beat the New York Giants on the road 27-13 (a game I happened to attend).
- Most Points Scored in a Season Opener Denver dropped 41 points on the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, powered by Peyton Manning’s record-tying 7 touchdown passes.
Remember that time that the Ravens shocked everyone and beat the Broncos in 2012 in double-overtime to go on to win Super Bowl XLVII? When the 2013 season opened, the Broncos were out for revenge. Due to a scheduling conflict the Ravens were unable to continue the tradition of the Super Bowl victor opening up the season at home. So, they came to Denver and got their ass beat by what would turn out to be the greatest offense in the history of the NFL.
- Fewest Points Allowed The Broncos have two sutouts in their history, one in 1977 against the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-0. The other was against the Cincinnati Bengas in 1979, 10-0.
The Broncos will endeavor to tally their third opening day shutout victory in franchise history. We are due! It’s been since the 1970’s!
- Opening Day Record at Home Since moving to Empower Field at Mile High in 2001, the Broncos have a strong home opener record, winning over 70% of those games.
Recent history aside, the Broncos historically have been one of the better teams on opening day. It’s time to return to that legacy. It can all start with a win on Sunday.
- Most Opening Day Starts by a QB John Elway started 16 season openers for Denver — the most by any Bronco quarterback.
Bo Nix will notch his 2nd opening day start on Sunday. He is probably the most legitimate contender since Elway retired to wrest this title away from the GOAT.
- Defensive Dominance In 2015, the Broncos defense scored more touchdowns (1) than the offense (0) in the season opener against Baltimore.
We usually gloss over Peyton Manning’s struggles during the 2015 season because of all the bling we got following the Super Bowl 50 victory. If you go back and watch this season opener, you’ll be treated to no fewer than 6 field goals and two defensive touchdowns (one by Baltimore’s Jimmy Smith and the other by Denver’s Aqib “Two Chainz” Talib). Denver won, 19-13.
- Rookie Impact Von Miller recorded a sack in his very first NFL game — the 2011 opener against the Raiders.
I mean… Of course he did. He’s Von Freakin’ Miller! The Broncos have a defensive rookie looking to make an impact in his first game this year. No pressure, Jahdae Barron!
- Unusual Opponent Trends Denver has faced the Raiders more than any other team on opening day — 10 times since 1960.
The Broncos hold a 6-4 record in these openers. The Broncos have only opened up against the Titans one time, in 2020. They lost, 16-14. In 1961 and 1966, the Broncos opened their seasons against the Houston Oilers (who became the Titans) and lost both outings. So, at 0-3 in openers, the Broncos are due to crush Tenessee this Sunday!
- First Touchdown In the 1960 season opener vs. Boston, Denver scored the first points in AFL history on an Al Carmichael touchdown.
How cool is that? The first to win a game in the AFL (that would later merge with the NFL and give us, essentially, the AFC). Here are the highlights from that game.
- Astro Turf The 1976 opener at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati marked the first time the Broncos played a season opener on Astroturf.
…and no player has ever complained about playing on glorified cement instead of soft grass. Thankfully, the Broncos field is Kentucky Bluegrass and it’s on that non-plastic grass the Broncos will face the Titans this Sunday.
