Broncos step into national spotlight with 2025 Schedule
Denver will gear up for another playoff run with five prime-time games, a London trip and major showdowns
The Denver Broncos schedule was released last Wednesday, revealing a slate packed with prime-time matchups in the national spotlight.
Heading into quarterback Bo Nix’s second year and head coach Sean Payton’s third year, Denver is looking to build on last season’s success. The team hopes to make the playoffs again after ending an eight-year postseason drought last season.
However, Denver had their success last season outside the watchful eyes of a national audience. This year, that is not the case. The Broncos are slated for their first NFL London game, a Christmas Day matchup and four other prime-time games.
Biggest takeaway
The Broncos’ and Payton get to play in more games under the spotlight with playoff expectations on the line. With five prime-time appearances and a trip across the pond, Denver will play in high-profile games. It’s clear the NFL believes the Broncos are a team worth watching after going 10-7 with a rookie quarterback last year.
First three weeks
Denver has a tough stretch to start the season, with two of its first three games on the road. The Broncos should have an easy start facing the Tennessee Titans in their season (and home) opener with the No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward under center. The line for the Titans season is set for 5.5 with them expected to at least win six games.
Then they have back-to-back games on the road against the Colts and Chargers. Denver should hopefully pick up two wins against the Titans and Colts, but Los Angeles has had their number and could hand Denver their first loss of the season. It is vital that Payton and company start the season off strong as they have an even harder stretch the next three games.
Next three weeks
After an overtime thriller last season, the Broncos face off against the Cincinnati Bengals again, but this time on MNF in Week 4. After having to face Joe Burrow and the Bengals, Denver gets one less day to prep for the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. After being tested by some of the most talented teams in the league, Denver then gets to play the Jets in London, where Broncos Country will have to wake up at 7:30 a.m. MT for.
No bye week?
The Broncos interestingly do not have a bye week after the London game. Denver is set to be the 20th team to not have a bye after an international game, while not unprecedented, it is certainly not common. Denver gets their bye week later in the season in Week 12 leaving them extra time to prepare for their first Sunday Night Football game since 2021 against the Washington Commanders.
All Broncos Country wants for Christmas is a win
With the NFL expecting the Broncos to be competitive this season, they have a Christmas day matchup set up with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Week 17 game could have major implications in the AFC West as the Broncos will look to snag their first win at Arrowhead since the Peyton Manning days. If the AFC West’s first place spot is not on the line, the game will still likely have seeding implications for the playoffs. The Broncos finish off the season facing the Chargers after the Chiefs, which could also have AFC playoff implications.
No fly zone 2.0?
Denver spent the offseason bolstering their defense. They added two former 49ers—safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw—and selected one of college football’s top cornerbacks, Jahdae Barron, in the first round of the draft. This season the revamped unit will be put to the test against a pro-bowl roster of talent. Denver’s defense will face quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (twice), Justin Herbert (twice), Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud.
In addition to that lineup of Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks, they’ll also be tasked with containing last year’s Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley. With the number of elite receivers on the schedule, there should be plenty of marquee matchups featuring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.
Bottom line
All in all, the Broncos’ 2025 schedule presents Denver with both exciting opportunities and formidable challenges. Five prime-time games and high stakes matchups and national attention, the team has a chance to prove it belongs among the NFL’s elite. If Denver can build on last year’s momentum, Broncos Country could be in for another memorable ride.