Instant Predictions for Denver Broncos' 2026 NFL Schedule

This article provides a detailed, game-by-game prediction analysis for the Denver Broncos' 2026 National Football League season. Authored by Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann for Yahoo Sports, the piece evaluates the team's upcoming slate, noting the challenges of facing five consecutive playoff teams early in the season and the benefits of a Week 10 bye. The author predicts a realistic record of approximately 12-5, contrasting it with a more optimistic 15-2 scenario. Key matchups highlighted include a Monday Night Football opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, where quarterback Bo Nix is favored despite Patrick Mahomes' potential limitations, and home victories against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams. The analysis considers factors such as weather conditions, prime-time performance advantages at Mile High, and travel logistics for East and West Coast games. While acknowledging the difficulty of the schedule, the tone remains enthusiastic about the Broncos' return to relevance. The predictions serve as an early speculative guide for fans, breaking down specific scores and outcomes for the first few weeks while setting the stage for the rest of the season.