Broncos game-by-game predictions for Sean Payton’s first season
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Contents
WEEK 1
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
2:25 p.m., Sept. 10, CBS
The Sean Payton era begins with Josh McDaniels and company in Denver. It will also begin in a way 2022 did not: With a couple of red zone touchdowns from Russell Wilson.
Broncos 24, Raiders 20
WEEK 2
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
2:25 p.m., Sept. 17, CBS
A scintillating matchup between the two newest ownership groups in the NFL. Wilson continues a nice start with a pair of touchdown passes to Greg Dulcich and the Broncos are rolling at 2-0.
Broncos 27, Commanders 17
WEEK 3
AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
11 a.m., Sept. 24, CBS
Who goes to South Florida and wins early in the season? Not the Broncos, who will have not only the humidity to deal with but the Dolphins’ fantastic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Dolphins 31, Broncos 17
WEEK 4
AT CHICAGO BEARS
11 a.m., Oct. 1, CBS
The Broncos will have their hands full trying to tackle Justin Fields. But they’ll also turn him over a couple of times and escape the Windy City flying the ‘W.’
Broncos 24, Bears 20
WEEK 5
NEW YORK JETS
2:25 p.m., Oct. 8, CBS
The Super Bowl of the 2023 regular season after Payton’s extra spicy Nathaniel Hackett bodyslam. If Aaron Rodgers is dialed in and has vengeance on his mind, the Broncos are in trouble because the Jets’ defense is a big enough challenge to deal with on its own.
Jets 16.9, Broncos 14
WEEK 6
AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
6:15 p.m., Oct. 12, Amazon Prime
Preparing for Pat Mahomes at Arrowhead on a short week after facing Aaron Rodgers? That’s no recipe for Frank Clark and Co. to end the Chiefs’ long winning streak vs. Denver. It runs to 16.
Chiefs 31, Broncos 23
WEEK 7
GREEN BAY PACKERS
2:25 p.m., Oct. 22, CBS
This becomes a huge game sandwiched between matchups against the vaunted Chiefs. Jordan Love’s at the controls in Dairyland now and he’s got talent around him. If Rashan Gary’s healthy, this one gets even tougher.
Packers 23, Broncos 20
WEEK 8
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2:25 p.m., Oct. 29, CBS
The Broncos get Kansas City twice in 17 days. They’d have been better off facing Mahomes again late in the season. Instead, they’ll get a full dose of Travis Kelce on a beautiful autumn afternoon.
Chiefs 27, Broncos 24
WEEK 9
BYE
The bye comes smack dab in the middle of the season, but also after both games against Kansas City. Win some, lose some.
WEEK 10
AT BUFFALO BILLS
6:15 pm., Nov. 13, ESPN
This scenario plays out poorly for Denver. The season will get better, but not before Josh Allen and company provide a rude Western New York Welcome and Von Miller sacks Russell Wilson twice.
Bills 30, Broncos 21
WEEK 11
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
6:20 p.m., Nov. 19, NBC
Could-have-been Broncos coach Kevin O’Connell oversaw one of the biggest surprises in football with Minnesota last year. The Vikes are ripe for regression. Justin Simmons’ pick of Kirk Cousins seals the victory.
Broncos 26, Vikings 21
WEEK 12
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2:05 p.m., Nov. 26, FOX
Hey, it’s rolling now. DeShaun Watson turns the ball over three times and Jerry Jeudy goes off against Cleveland to cap Thanksgiving weekend in style for the Broncos.
Broncos 28, Browns 17
WEEK 13
AT HOUSTON TEXANS
2:05 p.m., Dec. 3, CBS
Another could-have-been Broncos coach in DeMeco Ryans, who blew away Denver’s interview group. The season will be getting long on rookie QB C.J. Stroud by this point. The kind of game Denver should win and will with Sean Payton in charge.
Broncos 23, Texans 16
WEEK 14
AT L.A. CHARGERS
2:25 p.m., Dec. 10, CBS
Even if the Broncos hit a rough patch in the middle of the season, this could have Wild Card implications. Justin Herbert and new OC Kellen Moore will be the difference in swinging matchup No. 1 toward the home team.
Chargers 24, Broncos 23
WEEK 15
AT DETROIT LIONS
December 16 or 17, TBD
A December trip to the Motor City? Better bring your hard hat. This will be a good one between Payton and protégé Dan Campbell. The Lions have a much easier division and could be playing for an NFC North title.
Lions 21, Broncos 20
WEEK 16
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
6:15 p.m., Dec. 24, NFL Network
Should be another good one with potential Wild Card implications. Wilson rises to the occasion in prime time, though at this point Denver’s playoff hopes have dimmed — if not been snuffed out. Even still, a Merry Christmas Eve to all in Denver.
Broncos 20, Patriots 17
WEEK 17
L.A. CHARGERS
2:25 p.m., Dec. 31, CBS
The Broncos for the second straight year win a cold-weather game against the Chargers. A heavy dose of Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine or whoever’s healthy 17 games in for the Broncos, who hit the final week of the season with a chance at a winning record.
Broncos 27, Chargers 24
WEEK 18
AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
January 6 or 7, TBD
A bitter disappointment for both teams as Maxx Crosby’s pair of sacks cost the Broncos a chance at a winning season and the Raiders a chance at a top five pick. Oh well, at least the desert weather in January is nice.
Raiders 20, Broncos 17
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