May is schedule release month for the NFL and the Denver Broncos will have a variety of tough tests this upcoming season as they move into Sean Payton’s second year has the team’s head coach with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix.
We take a shot at what we think the schedule will be.
Denver Broncos 2024 NFL Schedule Prediction
The NFL schedule release is coming soon, and the Broncos schedule for 2024 should be known. In anticipation of the release, we’ve decided to test our luck by trying to predict what the schedule will look like for Denver specifically.
With Bo Nix likely set to be the Broncos starting quarterback, we anticipate that Denver will play in at least three nationally televised games this season. Let’s fly.
Week 1: Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints – 8:20 p.m. MT – Monday Night Football
Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans was highlighted as a big storyline when Denver’s opponents for this season were initially announced. Opening up the season on the road in their first of three primetime games is a way to start.
On top of Payton’s return, rookie QB Bo Nix gets his first career NFL start in hostile territory. If Denver can march into New Orleans and come away with a Week 1 win, the excitement level for Denver gets higher.
Week 2: Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos – 2:25 p.m. MT
The Broncos beat the Browns last season in Denver during what was an exciting stretch of football for the team. Instead of facing a younger quarterback, Denver will likely face Deshaun Watson this time around.
Nix gets his first home start of his career.
Week 3: Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos – 2:05 p.m. MT.
Two straight home games for Nix and the Broncos in a battle of two young hopeful franchise QBs.
Week 4: Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 11:00 a.m. MT.
The Broncos face their first eastern timezone test against Baker Mayfield and a revamped Buccanneers team fresh off a playoff appearance.
Week 5: Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals – 2:05 p.m. MT
Bo Nix vs. Joe Burrow for the first time since Nix was at Auburn and Burrow was at LSU. Tough AFC test for the Broncos on the road.
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos – 2:25 p.m. MT
Kirk Cousins comes to town as Denver looks to combat him, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London.
Week 7: Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders – 2:05 p.m. MT
Denver’s first AFC West game of the season comes against a Raiders team that has had their number for eight straight games. Can they snap the streak this go-round?
Week 8: Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks – 2:25 p.m. MT
This matchup isn’t as hostile on paper anymore as it was when Russell Wilson was the quarterback. Nonetheless, the Broncos are hoping to get a big win on the road to redeem themselves from 2022’s Monday Night Football debacle.
Week 9: Bye Week
Late mid-season bye weeks are important, and they will help Denver prepare for its first Thursday Night Football matchup.
Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos – 6:20 p.m. MT – Thursday Night Football
Russell Wilson makes his return to Denver where the environment will likely be hostile. Nix vs. Russ. Denver’s offense faces a stiff test against the Steelers defense.
Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos – 2:25 p.m. MT
Justin Herbert heads to Mile High to face the Broncos in a battle between two former Oregon Ducks standouts. Herbert has struggled in Denver where the Broncos hope the trend continues.
Week 12: Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens – 11:00 a.m. MT
Another eastern timezone test for the Broncos as they face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. This could end up being Denver’s toughest opponent to date on the schedule.
Week 13: Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs – 6:20 p.m. MT – Sunday Night Football
The Broncos and Chiefs face off in their annual Sunday Night Football showdown in a battle between division rivals. Can Bo Nix help Denver extend their win streak against the defending champions?
Week 14: Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos – 2:05 p.m. MT
The Broncos close out their non-conference schedule with a matchup at home against Bryce Young and former Broncos DC Ejiro Evero.
Week 15: Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers – 2:25 p.m. MT
The Broncos begin a tough stretch of divisional play that has strong implications for a potential post-season berth.
Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos – 2:25 p.m. MT
The Broncos and Chiefs face off for the second time in three weeks.
Week 17: Denver Broncos @ New York Jets – 2:05 p.m. MT
What are the storylines at this point? Is Nathaniel Hackett still the OC for the Jets? Is Robert Saleh still employed? What’s the latest conspiracy theory from Aaron Rodgers?
Week 18: Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos – 2:25 p.m. MT
For the second year in a row, the Broncos close out their season against the Raiders. The stakes will hopefully be high for Denver at this point.
This was a fun exercise, and we’ll certainly find out what Denver’s schedule looks like in the next week or two. If you want to play along, email me your schedule predictions to cody@milehighsports.com
