Denver Broncos: Projecting the 2025 NFL Schedule
Predicting the Denver Broncos’ 2025 NFL schedule this far in advance is largely speculative, but we can make some informed guesses based on standard NFL scheduling formulas. The Broncos will play 17 games, including eight home games and nine away games. These games are determined by three main factors: divisional opponents, common opponents based on division standings from the previous year, and a rotational inter-conference schedule.
Divisional Showdowns
As always, the Broncos will face their AFC West rivals twice each. This means two games each against the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. These six games represent a significant portion of the schedule and will be crucial for the Broncos’ playoff aspirations. Expect hard-fought, intense matchups within the division, with each game carrying significant weight.
Based on 2024 Finish
The Broncos’ placement in the 2024 AFC West standings will determine their matchups against teams from other divisions within the AFC and NFC who finished in the same spot in their respective divisions. For example, if the Broncos finish second in the AFC West in 2024, they will play the other AFC teams that finished second in their respective divisions. This adds an element of variability and potential for interesting cross-conference matchups. The specific teams become clearer only once the 2024 season concludes.
Rotational Opponents
The NFL operates on a rotational schedule where each team plays an entire division from the opposite conference once every four years. Similarly, they rotate through one division in their own conference. Therefore, knowing which divisions are due to be played against the AFC West in 2025 is key. Details will emerge closer to the schedule release, but examining previous rotational patterns provides clues. It’s highly probable the Broncos will face all four teams from a specific NFC division (e.g., NFC South, NFC North, NFC East, or NFC West) and another AFC division outside of the AFC West.
Key Considerations & Potential Matchups
The Broncos’ strength of schedule in 2025 will depend heavily on the performance of their opponents in the 2024 season. A strong showing from the AFC West and the teams they are scheduled to play based on 2024 standings will result in a more challenging schedule. Conversely, struggling teams will lead to a weaker schedule. Given the competitiveness of the NFL, predicting these strengths is a difficult task.
Potential exciting matchups could include a primetime showdown against a top NFC team, or a high-stakes game against a conference rival battling for playoff positioning. Games against teams with high-profile quarterbacks or intriguing storylines often find their way into the national spotlight.
The official 2025 NFL schedule will be released in the spring of 2025. Until then, fans can speculate and analyze potential matchups as they eagerly await the upcoming season.