Broncos game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release

The Denver Broncos are fresh off earning the top seed in the AFC. Had it not been for an untimely postseason injury to Bo Nix, it is possible that the team would have been competing in Super Bowl 60. The Broncos improved in the offseason, but they have arguably a tougher schedule than they did when they went 14-3. So, how will the Broncos perform in each of their 2026-27 matchups?Week 1 @ Kansas City ChiefsIt is unclear if Patrick Mahomes will be ready to start by Week 1 after suffering a severe knee injury. It would be a quick recovery for the best quarterback in the NFL if he is good to go. If he isn't ready to go, then Justin Fields will be behind center, and that will be easy pickings for Denver. Fields had -10 net passing yards against the Broncos when he was with the New York Jets last year.WinWeek 2 vs. Jacksonville JaguarsRon Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe Jacksonville Jaguars were the only team to beat the Broncos in Denver during the regular season last year. Denver lost to the Jaguars by a score of 34-20 last season. It was their only defeat by more than three points, including playoffs. The Broncos won't let that happen again.WinWeek 3 vs. Los Angeles RamsThe Los Angeles Rams had a killer offseason. The Broncos are more than used to the defensive backs that the team signed, because Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson come by way of Kansas City, and the Broncos play the Chiefs twice a year. Even so, the Rams had a championship core before they improved drastically. The Broncos dropped just one home game last season, and Week 3 seems like their most likely home loss this year.LossWeek 4 @ San Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a gritty team that tends to find ways to win, even when injuries decimate their lineup. Dre Greenlaw returned to the team after one year with the Broncos. He has the inside scoop on how Denver's great defense operates, and that could be the boost the 49ers need to end up victorious over the Broncos in Week 4.LossWeek 5 @ Los Angeles ChargersA series tie against the Los Angeles Chargers seems likely. Even when the Broncos only lost three games all of last season, they still dropped one to the Chargers. Los Angeles didn't fill as many holes as many expected them to this offseason, but they did recently sign David Njoku, a tight end who many linked to the Broncos. This would be Denver's third straight loss.LossWeek 6 vs. Seattle SeahawksThe defending Super Bowl champions took a big hit in free agency. While still a threat, they are a team that the Broncos can beat. A Week 6 matchup would answer some questions about what a Denver vs. Seattle Super Bowl 60 would have looked like had Bo Nix not gotten hurt in the playoffs and had Denver advanced past the AFC Championship Round. The Broncos need a win here.WinWeek 7 @ Arizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals should be one of the more beatable teams in the NFL this season. While they have tons of offensive weapons, their quarterback situation is a disaster, and the defense doesn't look all that impressive. By Week 7, it is possible that Arizona could be on their third quarterback, as it wouldn't be surprising if all of Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Carson Beck received playing time this year.WinWeek 8 vs. Kansas City ChiefsJay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesThe Broncos lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 16 straight times from 2015 to 2023. Times are changing in the AFC West, though, and Denver established themselves as the division's new powerhouse last year. The Chiefs had a solid offseason, but there are still plenty of question marks surrounding this team. Denver will look to sweep them for the second straight season, creating a winning streak of their own against their hated rivals.WinWeek 9 @ Carolina PanthersBryce Young has yet to live up to his draft status as a former number one overall pick. The Broncos and their elite defense won't give him the opportunity to do so, either. The Broncos are fresh off a 68-sack season, which was one of the best seasons for a defense when it comes to getting after the quarterback in league history.WinWeek 11 vs. Las Vegas RaidersThe Broncos' offense has taken massive steps forward since Bo Nix became their quarterback. The former 12th overall pick has been incredible during his first two seasons, but 2026-27 may end up being his true breakout campaign into superstardom. Nix had gained Jaylen Waddle for his receiving corps and Jonah Coleman for his backfield. The Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is one matchup where the offense has a chance to show what they are made of.WinWeek 12 @ Pittsburgh SteelersThere is no such thing as an easy win in the NFL, but if there is a stretch of their schedule for the Broncos to pick up wins, it is at this point in the season. The Broncos continue what will turn into a eight-game winning streak with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is still unclear if Aaron Rodgers will or won't be quarterbacking the team, but Denver has historically given the future Hall of Famer a tough go at things anyway, and that was well before he was 42 years old.WinWeek 13 vs. Miami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins underwent one of the biggest rebuilds in recent memory this offseason. Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are all gone. The Broncos were a beneficiary of this rebuild, too, as they were able to trade for Jaylen Waddle. This is a game the Broncos can't lose, and Waddle could be in for a big night in his revenge game.WinWeek 14 @ New York JetsWhile the Broncos have a tough schedule overall, they should have a can't lose matchup in Week 14, even though they will be on the road. The Jets impressed in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they are still a ways away from contending. The team's lack of a franchise quarterback, in particular, should be something that Denver's defense feasts on. Last year, the team sacked the Jets' quarterback nine times and forced the Jets into -10 net passing yards. A similarly dominant defensive performance can be expected.WinWeek 15 @ Las Vegas RaidersThe Las Vegas Raiders are going to be new and improved in 2026-27. By Week 15, number one pick Fernando Mendoza should not only be starting, but it has to be assumed that he will have his feet under him. The Raiders have done a good job of surrounding him with weapons, too. Divisional games on the road are never easy to win, and the Raiders are no longer the joke they've been in previous years.LossWeek 16 vs. Buffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills will be looking for revenge after the Broncos knocked them out of the playoffs. They just might get it. After all, Buffalo has been a better regular season team than playoff performer in recent years. The Bills have an MVP quarterback and championship aspirations, and it seems unlikely that Denver will beat them in back-to-back games, dating back to the AFC Divisional Round.LossWeek 17 @ New England PatriotsIt took a snowstorm and some really bad decisions from backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham for the Broncos to lose to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The Broncos will be looking for revenge, and they should find it in Week 17.WinWeek 18 vs. Los Angeles ChargersThe final game of the season is never easy to predict. If it is assumed that the Broncos still have something to play for, then a victory to close out the regular season could be expected.WinBroncos 2026-27 record: 12-5The Denver Broncos are fresh off earning the top seed in the AFC. Had it not been for an untimely postseason injury to Bo Nix, it is possible that the team would have been competing in Super Bowl 60. The Broncos improved in the offseason, but they have arguably a tougher schedule than they did when they went 14-3.