For the first time since early September, Denver Broncos fans will not be watching their favorite team on Sunday.
The bye week arrives in Week 11 for a team that desperately needs the break.
After starting the season 4-0, Denver is 3-3 in their past six games, and multiple injuries are definitely a contributor for some of those losses.
DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, C.J. Anderson, Derek Wolfe and Trevor Siemian have all missed playing time and can definitely use the week off to get healthier. But for as much as the players need the rest, Broncos fans still need something to watch this weekend.
So, if you are looking for some games to watch that might have some impact on the Broncos while they’re healing up, here’s a quick guide.
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland 11:00 am MST
The Steelers are limping along at 4-5, but their schedule is about to get significantly easier. Over their final seven games, the Steelers will face opponents with a combined record of 23-42-1. That sounds like a recipe for the Steelers getting healthy about playoff time. I don’t like that matchup for Denver. So, let’s cheer for the Browns against all odds here.
Baltimore @ Dallas 11:00 am MST
The Ravens are in the exact opposite situation as the Steelers. They have played the league’s softest schedule, and things are about to get more difficult. I expect them to lose this game to the Cowboys, which won’t hurt the Broncos playoff seeding.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis 11:00 am MST
The Broncos will play the Titans on Christmas evening, so this game might be a good opportunity for Broncos fans to get more familiar with Marcus Mariota and that dominant offensive line. Both teams are in playoff contention, and Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has never lost to the Titans. This might actually be an interesting game.
Tampa Bay @ Kansas City 11:00 am MST
The Chiefs are quietly sitting at 7-2 atop the AFC West, while most everyone has been talking about the Raiders and the Broncos. And K.C. will come to Denver next Sunday in a game that will have some major playoff implications. I doubt the Buccaneers can actually beat the Chiefs, but would it be too much to ask that they give them a competitive game that tires them out? Maybe something that goes into overtime?
New England @ San Francisco 2:25 pm MST
The hated Patriots head to the West Coast to square off against one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Broncos would love to see New England drop another one so that they could have a better chance at securing home-field advantage. Back in 2012, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had his way with New England, throwing for four touchdowns and winning the game 41-34. Does that count for anything? Probably not, other than Bill Belichick wanting to hang 50 points on them this time around. But we can hope, can’t we?
Houston @ Oakland Monday 6:30 pm MST
Former Bronco quarterback Brock Osweiler leads the Texans down to Mexico City to face the hated Raiders. And while this game looks like an easy win for Oakland, due to the lack of any production from the Texans offense, the Houston defense is pretty stout. Can they limit that high-powered Derek Carr-led offense? And can Osweiler earn any of that $72 million salary Houston ponied up for him? Broncos fans won’t say it very often, but against the Raiders this week, we can all agree, “Go Brock!”