The NFL schedule release is Thursday, so in the meantime, let’s speculate on how many prime-time games the Denver Broncos, now with Russell Wilson, are set to have next season.
For context, it’s already announced the Broncos will travel to London next season to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team is also set to face off against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, on Christmas Day.
And for reference, the max number of initially-scheduled prime-time games is five. But the London and Christmas games don’t count toward that total despite being nationally televised. That’s because Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football are the prime time allotments for the initially-scheduled prime-time games. And the London game starts at 7:30 a.m., while the Christmas game starts at 2:30 p.m. — which is not one of the evening games.
Without further ado, here are the Broncos games that Broncos Wire thinks should be in prime next season.
Broncos vs. Chiefs
Storyline: Can the Broncos finally beat the Kansas City Chiefs with Russell Wilson?
Broncos vs. Raiders
Storyline: Josh McDaniels returns to Denver after destroying Mike Shanahan’s set-in-stone offense of Jay Cutler, Peyton Hillis, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler.
Broncos vs. Ravens
Storyline: One of the sport’s best QBs of the last decade up against one of the best upcoming QBs challenged with being the face of the league for the next decade. Also, welcome back, Derek Wolfe.
Broncos vs. 49ers
Storyline: A potential Super Bowl preview, Wilson faces off with a former division rival. Yes, I said it, the Broncos have the seventh-best odds. Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, has appeared in two of the past three NFC Championship games. Never forget: his team was up 10 late in the 4th on the Rams’ side of the field last season when Elijah Mitchel ran for nine yards on first down. The 49ers did not convert a first down on the drive, and the rest is history.
Broncos vs. Seahawks
Storyline: Burying the lede, Wilson faces off against his old team. While pundits believe Drew Lock is set to start for the Seattle Seahawks, don’t be surprised to see Geno Smith under center for this tilt.
You can check out the Broncos’ opponents for next season here.
