The Denver Broncos have proven they are worthy of must-watch TV in 2026. With an extremely front-loaded schedule, the Broncos will have a chance to show they are up to the challenge of being championship contenders.
As part of that expectation, Pro Football Focus broke down 10 games that will define the NFL season — and the Broncos have two on their list.
First on their list is the 2026 finale, when Denver faces the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18. PFF's Bradley Locker pointed to the new-look Chargers, who brought in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and also a healthier offensive line as bright spots for Los Angeles.
On the Broncos' side of the ball, Locker mentioned the offensive line (which PFF named the top unit in the NFL earlier
this summer) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle as reasons for optimism heading into the finale.
"The 2025 AFC runners-up look to build on a wildly successful season that saw a sixth-place finish in overall PFF grade," Locker wrote for PFF. "While questions linger about avoiding regression, the Broncos added a star receiver in Jaylen Waddle... next to their league-best offensive line. Denver’s defense also remains among the sport’s best on the heels of two straight top-five EPA-per-play finishes."
Locker also mentioned that the Denver-L.A. game should at least carry some wild-card weight.
The second game on the list is a rematch of the AFC divisional game between the Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. Not only does the game have nationwide viewership on Christmas Day, but Locker believes this game could determine who gains home-field advantage throughout the playoffs this winter.
"Both the Bills and Broncos have deep playoff aspirations, and what happens on Christmas should reveal a fair amount — including by dictating seeding," Locker wrote.
With the Broncos heading into 2026 with championship aspirations, every game is going to be crucial.
Week 1 kicks off with the Broncos facing the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 14.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 2 Broncos matchups made list of games that will define NFL season
