WEEK 1 — Sept. 12
at Seattle, 6:15 p.m., ESPN
Before the game: Russell Wilson is greeted with smattered boos from his ex-team’s fans. After the game: Teammates dump a bucket full of Gatorade on him after he throws three touchdowns in Broncos debut.
The call: Broncos 34, Seahawks 13
WEEK 2 — Sept. 18
vs. Houston, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4
Name one Texans player besides fullback/former Broncos folk hero Andy Janovich? Exactly, that’s what we thought. Teams who are good (like the Broncos believe) don’t lose to teams like the Texans.
The call: Broncos 28, Texans 11
WEEK 3 — Sept. 25
vs. San Francisco, 6:20 p.m., KUSA-9
If there is a good time to catch the 49ers, it may be early as quarterback Trey Lance finds his footing — and he will quickly. Kyle Shanahan makes first regular-season appearance in his hometown as a head coach.
The call: Broncos 14, 49ers 12
WEEK 4 — Oct. 2
at Las Vegas, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4
A guarantee: The Broncos will post more than the 158 yards offense they did last year in Vegas (17-13 loss). This is a tone-setting game. The same, old Broncos or the new, improved Broncos?
The call: Raiders 30, Broncos 27
WEEK 5 — Oct. 6
vs. Indianapolis, 6:15 p.m., Amazon Prime
A short week to prepare for new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan and reigning NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor. The Broncos feel they are improved stopping the run and Taylor will test that.
The call: Broncos 17, Colts 14
WEEK 6 — Oct. 17
at L.A. Chargers, 6:15 p.m., ESPN
A second Monday night appearance in six weeks and expect the Worldwide Leader to make this Russell Wilson vs. Justin Herbert in all of its promos. As it should be. But the Broncos better have a blocking plan for Joey Bosa/Khalil Mack.
The call: Chargers 28, Broncos 23
WEEK 7 — Oct. 23
vs. N.Y. Jets, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4
This is our Broncos Lock of the Year. The Jets are rebuilding (again). The Broncos’ first Super Bowl title team will be honored all weekend. And this is a must win.
The call: Broncos 35, Jets 7
WEEK 8 — Oct. 30
vs. Jacksonville in London, 7:30 a.m., ESPN+
Set your alarms Sunday morning for this Breakfast Special from Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars will be better under coach Doug Pederson, who replaces arguably the Worst Coach In NFL History (Urban Meyer).
The call: Broncos 24, Jaguars 20
WEEK 10 — Nov. 13
at Tennessee, 11 a.m., KCNC-4
The Titans are the league’s only team who will embrace being one-dimensional. Derrick Henry, slowed by a foot injury last year, is that good when healthy.
The call: Titans 13, Broncos 10
WEEK 11 — Nov. 20
vs. Las Vegas, 2:05 p.m., KDVR-31
The Broncos’ 2021 season began to fall apart when it was routed by Las Vegas at home. Now we’re getting to the key stretch of ’22 and if a playoff berth is in the offing, the Broncos must win their division home games.
The call: Broncos 20, Raiders 10
WEEK 12 — Nov. 27
at Carolina, 11 a.m., KDVR-31
The last time the Broncos visited Charlotte, Drew Lock (Broncos) beat Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers). And that was only two years ago. Even if Baker Mayfield doesn’t start in Week 1 for the Panthers, he’ll be starting by now.
The call: Broncos 31, Panthers 17
WEEK 13 — Dec. 4
at Baltimore, 11 a.m., KCNC-4
Sadly, this isn’t a rematch of Vic Fangio vs. John Harbaugh a year after their verbal dust-up about the Ravens running on the final play to extend a streak of 100-yard games. Baltimore punched the Broncos in the mouth last year.
The call: Ravens 23, Broncos 19
WEEK 14 — Dec. 11
vs. Kansas City, 6:20 p.m., KUSA-9
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 9-0 against the Broncos. The streak ends under the prime-time lights.
The call: Broncos 28, Chiefs 27
WEEK 15 — Dec. 18
vs. Arizona, 2:05 p.m., KDVR-31
If the Broncos can end their 13-game losing streak to the Chiefs, this is a trap game. Old friend Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ coach in 2017-18, is Arizona’s defensive coordinator and this will be the home team’s first game against Kyler Murray.
The call: Cardinals 24, Broncos 22
WEEK 16 — Dec. 25
at L.A. Rams, 2:30 p.m., KCNC-4
Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Rob Walton vs. Stan Kroenke. Greg Penner vs. Josh Kroenke. Ejiro Evero vs. Sean McVay. And, oh, right, Russell Wilson vs. Matthew Stafford. Luckily, the Nuggets’ game against Phoenix doesn’t tip off until 8:30 p.m.
The call: Rams 38, Broncos 31
WEEK 17 — Jan. 1
at Kansas City, 11 a.m., KCNC-4
This game should have playoff implications, so expect it to be moved to a 2:25 p.m. start; the Chargers-Rams game is the Sunday night contest.
The call: Chiefs 24, Broncos 14
WEEK 18 — Jan. 7/8
vs. L.A. Chargers, TBA
A Loser Goes Home Game? Perhaps. With a playoff spot on the line, do you take Justin Herbert on the road or Russell Wilson at home? Go with No. 3.
The call: Broncos 31, Chargers 24
Final record: 10-7.
*Games on ESPN, ESPN+ and Amazon will be broadcast on over-the-air television in the Denver area.
