With the NFL schedule having been fully released, we now know not only which opponents our favorite teams will play against in this upcoming NFL season, but also when they will play these games and how certain games in the season may affect playoff seeding. While the Broncos’ schedule certainly isn’t a cakewalk, they got lucky in terms of several aspects of their schedule. They get several hard games out of the way early, which will lighten their schedule later on in the season. They also have a bye week near the third quarter of the season, which will give them some much-needed rest before the final playoff push in December and January. With all that being said, the Broncos have a number of tough games ahead of them this year, so here’s the top 5 hardest games they’ll play this season.
5. At home Vs Kansas City Chiefs, Week 11
The last time the Broncos and Chiefs squared off, Denver delivered a 38-0 beatdown, smothering Kansas City completely. Of course, Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the starters were resting for the upcoming playoffs, but it just feels good to see the score anyway. In Week 11, this will not be the case, as Mahomes will almost certainly return to Empower Field at Mile High to face Bo Nix and the rest of the team, so it won’t be nearly as easy this go-around. However, Denver has improved mightily since last season, while it could be argued that the Chiefs regressed slightly, losing one of their top offensive linemen in Joe Thuney. Since the Broncos are at home, I’ll lean Denver for this one.
Prediction: 23-17, Denver
4. Away Vs Los Angeles Chargers, Week 3
The Chargers are coming off a brilliant inaugural season with new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the controls. Finishing 11-6 and second in the AFC West behind the Chiefs, the Chargers swept the Broncos last season. First, they got up 20-0 on the Broncos at home in week 6 before Bo Nix threw two garbage time touchdowns, and then in week 16 on Thursday night, Justin Herbert led a massive comeback to beat Denver for the second time that year. This season, the Chargers are back and better, with the biggest offseason additions being new running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, who should be a dangerous combo for Denver’s defense to contend with.
Prediction: 27-20, Los Angeles
3. Away Vs Washington Commanders, Week 13
Two of the best young Quarterbacks in the league will face off in week 13 under the bright lights of NBC’s Sunday Night Football in Summerfield, Maryland. Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels were both candidates for offensive rookie of the year in 2024, and although Bo had more passing yards and touchdowns, Daniels won due to his versatility in the run game and throwing fewer interceptions. Washington also had a number of additions in the offseason, the biggest of which was the versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who creates a dangerous receiving duo with Terry McLaurin. This will be one of the more difficult road games the Broncos will play this season.
Prediction: 34-31, Denver
2. Away Vs Philadelphia Eagles, Week 5
You may be shocked to see a road game against the defending Super Bowl champions not being at the top of the list, but one game takes the cake for putting the Broncos in a more difficult position. As for the Eagles, they are coming off a dominant Super Bowl victory against the Broncos’ division rival Kansas City Chiefs. Philly was one of the most dominant teams in the league last year, smothering teams with the league’s second-ranked defense while Saquon Barkley ran like a madman to the tune of 2,005 rushing yards. With superstar Quarterback Jalen Hurts and a stout offensive line on top of that, the Broncos have their work cut out for them in week 5. However, with a long season and this only being week 5, Denver can probably afford to drop a game to the defending Super Bowl champs.
Prediction: 27-17, Philadelphia
1. Away Vs Kansas City Chiefs, Week 17
Even though the Chiefs got smoked by the Eagles in the Super Bowl last year, this Christmas night game on the road looks to be Denver’s toughest test this upcoming season. Arrowhead is one of the toughest places to play in the league, and the Chiefs were undefeated at home last season. Additionally, being in week 17, this game carries more weight than any other because it could potentially determine playoff seeding. With their new offseason additions, the Broncos look to compete with the Chiefs for the division title this season, and depending on how the rest of the regular season shakes out, the winner of this game could win the AFC West and host a home playoff game. Unfortunately, the Broncos have had poor luck around Christmas in recent years, so I don’t have high hopes for this game.
Prediction: 24-21, Kansas City
