Opening the 2026 season on Monday Night Football and avoiding Arrowhead in December? Yes, please.
But playing the Patriots in Foxborough in January? No, thanks.
Bye Week in Week 10? Awesome-sauce.
Flying to the East Coast Dec. 13 and then the West Coast Dec. 20? Meh.
Five playoff teams in a row after opening against the Chiefs? Ouch.
Five prime-time games? Yesssirrrr.
Such is the life of an NFL team that’s back in relevance — a tougher schedule with tougher matchups.
Bring. It. On.
So let’s break this Denver Broncos schedule down week by week and come up with a terribly early and likely very wrong W-L record (and frankly, if anyone wants to take dibs on the Ultimate Fan Guide games in the comments NOW, go for it!).
Week 1, 9/14: Broncos at Chiefs (MNF)
Arrowhead won’t be freezing and Patrick Mahomes won’t be 100%. Bo Nix may still be rounding into for, but I give him the edge. Broncos win in a probably ugly and mostly defensive contest, 16-13.
Week 2, 9/20: Jaguars at Broncos
It will be nice to not be in the Florida heat in September, but it could still be scorching in Denver. As long as the Nix-to-Waddle connection is the most scorching element in the game, this will be fun. I give Denver the win; they’ll be looking for a little vindication after last season’s 34-20 loss. Let’s say 24-21, Broncos.
Week 3, 9/27: Rams at Broncos (SNF)
Although the Rams will be a formidable opponent, Mile High on prime time is always the X-factor. Denver wins, 27-21.
Week 4, 10/4: Broncos at 49ers
This could be the Broncos’ first loss. It will be early in the season, and the Niners probably won’t all be on IR just yet. Still, it will be close and could go either way if CMAC or George Kittle is limited — which is highly likely. I’m an optimist, Broncos with a winning field goal in OT, 17-16.
Week 5, 10/11: Broncos at Chargers
I hate to do this, but I think this is a loss. Broncos have had a tough time with the Chargers of late and this will be the fifth week in a row of really tough opponents. No score prediction, just the first L.
Week 6, 10/15: Seahawks at Broncos (TNF)
I would really like to say the Broncos figure out how to beat the Seahawks here — especially because it’s prime time. But this is only four days after playing the Chargers, a team that will definitely be physical. Very possibly an L.
Week 7, 10/25: Broncos at Cardinals
This game gets the Broncos back over .500 with a win in Arizona. Although the Cardinals got the coveted Jeremyah Love, it’s unclear if they can really utilize his talents in the already talented RB room in Arizona. Denver has the experience and coaching on their side. Big win.
Week 8, 11/1: Chiefs at Broncos
For the second season in a row, Broncos will sweep the Chiefs. This will be a matchup for the ages as both QBs will be in rare form, the defense will be dominating and the Mile High Crowd will be rockin. Broncos victorious, 33-17.
Week 9, 11/8: Broncos at Panthers
Woohoo! The Broncos are coming my way! And that means a quick road trip for me and a definite W for Denver. Broncos 28, Panthers 17.
Week 10, 11/15: BYE WEEK
Obviously a win. I love having the Bye Week anywhere between Weeks 8-10. Before is too soon and after is too late. Middle of the season is perfect.
Week 11, 11/22: Raiders at Broncos
Not a chance we lose this one. The Raiders are better and Klint Kubiak will make them competitive. But so will Sean Payton for the Broncos. Especially after the Bye. Broncos win by 10.
Week 12, 11/27: Broncos at Steelers (Black Friday)
This is a tough one to predict. Mike McCarthy is a good head coach and Aaron Rodgers was a good quarterback 75 years ago. Depending on how this summer’s ayahuasca and/or darkness retreats go could dictate how the Steelers season goes. But…short week, cold weather, physical defense. I’ll take Denver in a slugfest.
Week 13, 12/6: Dolphins at Broncos
Broncos all day. It will be snowing, Jaylen Waddle will have 200 yards receiving against his former team, and Malik Willis will not know which Bronco keeps hitting him. Denver 36, Miami 20.
Week 14, 12/13: Broncos at Jets
The Jets defense keeps it uncomfortable, because these teams always struggle against each other, and it will be in New York in December. But I trust Denver’s coaching stability and quarterback situation far more. Broncos 20, Jets 16.
Week 15, 12/20: Broncos at Raiders
Raiders plays the Broncos tougher at home, and division road games are always hard. But I think this Broncos team is mentally tougher now than past versions. Split-second Bo Nix drive late in the fourth quarter to steal it. Plus, Broncos win because I will not predict a loss to the Raiders. Ever.
Week 16, 12/25: Bills at Broncos (Christmas Day)
Tough one. And possibly a playoff preview. Absolute blockbuster. I’ll go ahead and predict it will be one of the best games of the NFL season. I think Denver is good enough to trade punches with Buffalo now, especially at altitude, but Josh Allen’s experience in huge games still gives them some edge. But should probably predict a loss? Ugh, can’t do it.
Week 17, TBD: Broncos at Patriots
It sucks this is in Foxborough because that’s a hard place to play in winter. But Denver is looking for revenge because they absolutely should have been in the Super Bowl last season, so there are some scores to settle here. Feels stressful for three quarters before Denver pulls away late.
Week 18, TBD: Chargers at Broncos
This could decide the AFC West. How about Bo Nix to Marvin Mims on a late explosive play to seal it? Broncos win their final game at home, securing the AFC West once again.
Did I just predict 15-2? Probably more like 12-5 but that’s not as much fun.
