The Denver Broncos are gearing up for an exciting and challenging 2023 season, with the hopes of bouncing back from last year’s disappointment. Under the guidance of new head coach Sean Payton and the leadership of quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos aim to navigate through a tough schedule and make a statement in the competitive AFC West.

We’ll explore the key opponents and matchups in the 2023 Denver Broncos schedule, along with predictions and expectations for the upcoming season. Buckle up, Broncos fans – it’s time to ride into the 2023 campaign with optimism and determination.

Home and Away Opponents

Although the official 2023 NFL schedule will not be released until May, we already know the Broncos’ opponents for the upcoming season. As always, the Broncos will face their divisional rivals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders, both at home and on the road. In addition, the Broncos will take on the entirety of the NFC North and AFC East as part of the rotational schedule.

2023 Denver Broncos Schedule

Home Games:

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Las Vegas Raiders
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Minnesota Vikings
6. New England Patriots
7. New York Jets
8. Cleveland Browns
9. Washington Commanders

Away Games:

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Las Vegas Raiders
4. Chicago Bears
5. Detroit Lions
6. Buffalo Bills
7. Miami Dolphins
8. Houston Texans

Offseason Developments

The Broncos had a turbulent 2022 season, marked by challenges on and off the field. Russell Wilson’s debut season in Denver proved underwhelming, leading to the dismissal of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett. With a considerable investment in Wilson, the Broncos acted decisively to construct a team that could support their star quarterback.

The Broncos have revamped their coaching staff, coaxing Sean Payton out of retirement to steer the team towards success. They also executed an impressive series of trades and acquisitions, sending the 29th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints while securing notable talents like Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey.

Analysis of the Season

The Broncos’ 2023 season schedule presents a blend of formidable and potentially winnable games. Their opening game against the Raiders will set the tone for the season, followed by encounters with the Commanders and Dolphins. Crucial games in October against the Chiefs and Packers could prove pivotal in their campaign.

Their schedule does not ease up in November and December, with games against teams like the Bills, Vikings, Browns, and Patriots. Their final games against the Chargers and Raiders could potentially decide their playoff chances.

Strength of Schedule

Denver’s 2023 schedule is ranked the 13th-hardest in the NFL by Sharp Football Analysis. This is a significant jump in difficulty from their 2022 schedule, which was ranked the 10th-easiest in the league. The Broncos’ challenging schedule is attributed to their matchups with teams from the competitive AFC East and NFC North, coupled with their position in the AFC West.

Key Matchups

Notably, Denver’s divisional road games against the Chiefs and Chargers stand out as key fixtures. Other difficult games include their visit to Buffalo to face the Bills and a home game against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

Here are the Key Matchups

Broncos vs. Raiders (Week 1)

The inaugural game of the season for the Broncos is against their long-time rivals, the Raiders. The clash is slated to be a nerve-wracking opener as both teams aim to kickstart their campaigns with a win. Despite the Raiders’ ups and downs, they remain a cohesive, tough squad. For the Broncos to triumph, they’ll need to set the pace early, manage the game tempo, and dampen the energy of the Raiders’ crowd.

Broncos vs. Chiefs (Week 5)

In Week 5, the Broncos meet the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, marking their first divisional primetime game of the season. The Chiefs, with their exceptional offensive capabilities and dynamic passing game, are formidable opponents. The Broncos’ defense will face a stern test, and their offensive unit, led by Russell Wilson, will need to step up to clinch a victory.

Broncos vs. Packers (Week 6)

A high-profile clash awaits the Broncos in Week 6 as they take on the Packers on Monday Night Football. The Packers, under the stalwart leadership of Aaron Rodgers, are a consistent powerhouse in the NFL. The Broncos will have to bring their A-game to neutralize the Packers’ potent offense. This game will serve as a barometer of the Broncos’ offensive capabilities and their skill in curtailing high-octane offenses.

Broncos vs. Chiefs (Week 9)

The Broncos’ rematch with the Chiefs in Week 9 is perhaps the most anticipated game of their season. Confronting the Chiefs, led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, is a formidable challenge for any team. With the advantage of a bye week preceding this game, the Broncos will need to use their extra preparation time effectively to match the Chiefs’ prowess on the field.

Broncos vs. Bills (Week 10)

The Broncos have a demanding task ahead in Week 10 when they face the Bills, one of the top contenders in the league. The Bills have demonstrated excellence on both sides of the ball, boasting a well-rounded offense and a sturdy defense. The Broncos, coming off a strenuous game against the Chiefs, will need to maintain their stamina and keep the momentum going for a possible win.

Broncos vs. Vikings (Week 11)

Week 11 sees the Broncos meet the Vikings in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. This game is critical as it preludes the final crucial stretch of the regular season. The Vikings, known for their diverse offense and robust defense, will push the Broncos to their limits.

Broncos vs. Chargers (Week 7 & Week 17)

The Broncos face off against their divisional adversaries, the Chargers, twice this season. These games will significantly influence the AFC West standings and could be pivotal in securing playoff spots. The Chargers, with their potent offense and improved defense, pose a perennial threat. These matchups will test the Broncos’ resolve and their ability to perform under the pressure of high-stakes games.

Predicted Season Outcome

Despite a challenging schedule and lingering questions about Russell Wilson’s performance, the Broncos are expected to improve upon their 2022 performance. The team’s strong defense, coupled with the revamped offensive lineup, could make Denver a dark horse for a playoff spot. However, considering their difficult schedule and the strength of their opponents, an 8-9 record seems a realistic expectation for the Broncos in 2023.

Conclusion

The Broncos’ 2023 season promises to be a period of intense scrutiny and high stakes. The addition of Russell Wilson and Sean Payton signals the team’s intent to compete at the highest level. Their success, however, hinges on their ability to navigate a challenging schedule and perform consistently against a string of formidable opponents.

The road ahead is far from easy, but with the changes in personnel and an upgraded offensive line, the Broncos are poised for a better season than their last. Time will tell if these changes are enough to transform their fortunes and propel them to a long-awaited playoff spot.

2022 Denver Broncos Schedule

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James Idayi

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