ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos’ 2024 schedule is now available, and that means it’s time to take a look at some of the most exciting games in Denver.
With two primetime games and several reunions on the calendar, there are plenty of exciting matchups in store for the upcoming season.
(Note: This ranking is the author’s opinion and does not represent the organization.)
5. Broncos at Saints (Week 7)
One of two primetime games on the Broncos’ schedule, Denver’s “Thursday Night Football” game against the Saints will represent head coach Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans. Payton led the Saints to nine playoff appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XLIV during his tenure, and will return to the bayou in his second season at the helm of the Broncos. Many Broncos coaches and players will also return to face their former team. The Saints are led by Payton’s former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Many of Payton’s previous draft picks – including linebacker Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore – also remain with the Saints.
4. Broncos vs. Chargers (Week 6)
The Chargers’ hiring of Jim Harbaugh makes Los Angeles one of the most intriguing teams on Denver’s schedule. In the coaching matchup, Payton vs. Harbaugh has two elite running backs on the line, and if Bo Nix starts in Denver against Justin Herbert, there’s also the potential for an all-Oregon quarterback battle. In this matchup, the Broncos will look to maintain their three-game winning streak and five home wins against the Chargers.
3. Broncos vs. Chiefs (Week 18)
The Broncos will end their season against the Chiefs for the first time since 2021, and this game should serve as a gauge of the progress the Broncos will make in 2024. Last year, Denver earned its first win over Kansas City since 2015 at Empower Field on the Mile High, and this game will give the Broncos an idea of where they stand compared to the next Super Bowl champions. The victory gave Denver a home win over the Chiefs for the first time in a decade. Ideally, the Broncos would like to stay alive in the playoff race heading into Week 18, and there would be no better way to secure a ticket back to the postseason than with a victory over a division rival.
2. Broncos vs. Steelers (Week 2)
Could you ask for a more convincing home opener? After a two-year stay with the Broncos, Russell Wilson could return to Denver in Week 2 as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The Steelers’ uncertainty at the quarterback position and the lack of a prime-time assignment are the only elements that keep this game from going No. 1, as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated former first-round pick Justin Fields will do as well. compete for a starting job. In addition to Wilson’s potential return, Nix could also start a home game for the first time in his career. If Jarrett Stidham gets the nod, it could be a matchup between last year’s quarterback in Denver. And if Zach Wilson is called up, we can expect a rematch between last year’s game in Denver between the two Wilsons – although the roles will be reversed. An open house is always filled with excitement, and this year’s schedule only adds to that.
1. Broncos at Seahawks (Week 1)
It’s a very different matchup than the Broncos’ 2022 season-opening trip to Seattle, but it’s a fascinating one,However. Denver’s season opener tops this list, in part because of the unknowns. It all starts at the Broncos’ quarterback position, where Stidham, Wilson and Nix will compete for the starting job. Will Stidham keep his job and look to take the next step in his NFL career in Week 1? Will Wilson earn that spot, showing the talent that led the Jets to select him No. 2 overall? Or will Nix earn the job in training camp and make his debut in Week 1?
There’s also uncertainty in Seattle following a coaching change, as former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald took over for Pete Carroll after the 2023 season. In short, it’s hard to know what to expect from Week 1’s game, which should make it a very entertaining one.
