Three Biggest Games: Denver Broncos

With all the change the Denver Broncos have gone through this offseason, they might as well be the defending Super Bowl champions in name only. Peyton Manning has ridden off into the sunset. Denver’s expected quarterback of the future, Brock Osweiler, chased the money all the way to Houston. The defense, while still elite, carries a ton of expectation into 2016. And all this while the rest of the AFC West has gotten stronger. It’s a potent combination; one that will make even returning to the playoffs a serious challenge.

Week 7 vs. Houston

What should have been a pedestrian battle between two middling teams has turned into a potential blood feud with Osweiler signing a monster deal to be the starter in Houston over helping John Elway craft a young, new team in the Rockies. Many pundits had this one pencilled in as the season opener on hype alone. Brock should have a decent handle on the Texans offense by week 7, and would love nothing more than to stick it to his old team and whichever backup and/or rookie it’s starting in his place.

Week 9 at Oakland

Is there a more tantalising game in the 2016 calendar for the neutral NFL traditionalist? Broncos-Raiders, playing on the west coast, primetime on Sunday Night Football: it’s the stuff rivalries are made of. The Raiders are tired of playing the role of also-rans in the West. After an offseason of wheeling, dealing and bolstering their young core, they’re ready to compete for the division crown this year. On a night where pass rushers on both sides will be running wild, Derek Carr’s decision-making under pressure might prove the lone difference in this absorbing affair.

Week 15 vs. New England

The Manning-Brady rivalry may be over, but the Patriots remain a hated enemy of Bronco Nation. It is Denver that holds current bragging rights, having pummelled Brady to within an inch of his career when they last met in the AFC Championship game. But as it tradition, Tom refused to go away. Only a missed extra point early by New England proved the difference between Denver’s Super Bowl berth and a possible Patriots’ repeat. Playoff seeding will almost certainly be on the line as the Pats make yet another push for the top seed and the Broncos scratch and claw for every win just to secure a spot.