Denver Broncos: 5 video games deserve prime-time protection in 2026

The NFL is ready to announce the Denver Broncos’ 2026 schedule on Thursday night, and after going 14-3 and clinching the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed final 12 months, Denver needs to be a prime candidate for prime-time video games.

Each staff can have as much as six initially-scheduled prime-time video games, not together with standalone home windows like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving. So, in concept, the Broncos may have eight nationally-televised video games on their preliminary schedule, however 5 or 6 feels extra life like.

We already know that Denver will open the season towards the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 1. Here’s a fast record of 5 different Broncos video games that must also be robust contenders for a prime-time highlight.

Best Broncos video games for prime time

5. Broncos @ Steelers: Pittsburgh and Denver have historic playoff historical past, and the NFL loves placing the Steelers in prime-time home windows.

4. Broncos vs. Seahawks: The defending Super Bowl champions from the NFC towards the AFC’s prime seed from 2025.

3. Broncos vs. Rams: Another NFC title contender set to go to Denver, L.A. needs to be a candidate for a number of prime-time video games this fall.

2. Broncos vs. Bills: Buffalo knocked Denver out of the 2024 playoffs and the Broncos knocked the Bills out of the 2025 playoffs. CBS would possibly wish to defend this sport, however it might be a terrific match for a nationwide highlight.

1. Broncos @ Patriots: This sport wants no clarification. New England beat Denver within the AFC Championship sport whereas Bo Nix was sidelined with a damaged ankle. The Broncos can be anticipating a rematch, and (well being allowing) it can mark the primary Nix vs. Drake Maye showdown within the NFL. This seems like a matchup made for Sunday Night Football.

We already know Denver’s full record of 2026 opponents, however the dates, kickoff occasions and tv networks for these video games can be introduced on Thursday night.

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