The Broncos’ 2026 slate has its share of early trouble, but once the first six weeks are out of the way, the path opens up in a hurry.
Denver is coming off 24 regular-season wins over the last two years, a run that has included an AFC West title and the playoff’s No. 1 seed in the 2025 season. Sean Payton has also increased his win total in each of his three seasons with the Broncos, and with the schedule looking manageable, another double-digit win year feels well within reach.
By opponent winning percentage from the previous season, Denver’s 2026 schedule ranks 15th in the league, which puts it squarely in the middle of the pack. But there are also a few games that look like they should be there for the taking.
The first comes in Week 7, when the Broncos head to Arizona. That matchup arrives right after a brutal opening stretch that includes five playoff teams from 2025 and the Kansas City Chiefs, and it looks like a clear reset opportunity.
The Cardinals are described as arguably the worst team in the league, and while they have some interesting offensive talent, little else appears to be working in their favor. Arizona was the last team to hire a head coach this cycle and still does not have a legitimate quarterback option.
Two weeks later, Denver gets another favorable draw in Week 9 at Carolina. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET on the East Coast, a time slot that has not always treated the Broncos well, but the Panthers don’t look imposing on paper.
Carolina went 8-9 last season, made the playoffs with a losing record, and still leans on Bryce Young, who does not consistently threaten defenses. Denver also beat Carolina handily at home in 2024, and the Panthers have not done enough since then to change the picture much.
The Broncos should also like their chances in Week 11 at home against the Raiders. Denver is 4-0 against Las Vegas in the Bo Nix era, and while the Broncos have not exactly run away from the matchup every time, they should still be in position to handle business again.
If Kirk Cousins is starting, that only tilts things further toward Denver. Cousins is described as a statue in the pocket, and with the Raiders’ offensive line in a shaky place, Denver should be able to get pressure on him and focus on keeping Brock Bowers under wraps.
Then there’s Week 13, when the Dolphins come to Denver for the Broncos’ first game in December. Miami is mentioned alongside Arizona as one of the two worst teams in the league, and the matchup has blowout written all over it.
The Broncos obviously will not be expected to win by 50 points the way Miami did in 2023, but this should still be a game where Denver is firmly in control and can start emptying the bench in the second half. The Broncos can still get tripped up by a trap game at some point in 2026, but Miami is viewed as a roster that could be the worst in the NFL and may struggle just to get to one win.
In Other News...
Broncos May Catch Chiefs At The Perfect Time In Week 1
The Broncos open the season with a chance to test a Chiefs team that has spent much of camp managing health as much as game planning. Kansas City has had several key players on the injury report through training camp and the preseason, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, who missed practice while recovering from a back issue, and coach Andy Reid has said he is hopeful some of those players will be ready by Week 1.
Still, the list of concerns has been long enough to make Denver pay attention. Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Mansoor Delane, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Kenneth Walker III have all dealt with injuries at different points, leaving the Chiefs with more uncertainty than usual heading into the opener. For a Broncos team trying to make an early statement in the division, that kind of opening can matter, even if Kansas City still has time to get right before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Settle Backup QB Battle With A Notable Roster Decision
Sean Payton has settled the Broncos backup quarterback picture, and it gives Denver a clearer sense of how the offense will be structured heading into the regular season. Jarrett Stidham will open as the No. 2 behind Bo Nix, with Sam Ehlinger holding the third spot, a notable roster choice after a summer of competition and preseason work.
For a team trying to stabilize its quarterback room behind a rookie starter, keeping three passers on the active roster is not a small decision. It leaves Denver with experience, insurance and some flexibility if the early part of the season brings more questions than answers, even if the pecking order is now set for the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Backfield Battle Suddenly Feels Bigger Than Fans Expected
The Broncos went into the offseason wanting more stability behind their running game, and the addition of Jonah Coleman has quickly made that conversation more interesting. Drafted in the fourth round, Coleman is already expected to matter this season, not just as a developmental piece but as someone who can help shape the offense if Denver needs him to.
J.K. Dobbins is still projected to open the year as the starter after re-signing with the team, but his injury history keeps the backfield picture from feeling settled. Denver reportedly likes Colemans pass protection and efficiency enough to view him as a real contender for the primary backup job, with the possibility that he could move ahead of RJ Harvey on the depth chart if the Broncos need a reliable option in a larger role. [Read more 🡒]