Is 2024 a rebuilding year for the Broncos? They might not admit it, but expectations aren't mile-high for what could be Denver's ninth consecutive season without a playoff appearance.
More than anything, the hope is that Sean Payton has found his franchise quarterback. The Broncos clearly believe in Bo Nix, and the path for the Oregon QB claiming the starting job is fairly clear with only Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in his way.
Once Nix takes his first snap as a Bronco, he'll have to find ways to grow with a supporting cast that leaves plenty to be desired. Can another weapon step up alongside Courtland Sutton?
The Broncos' defense came together after an ugly start last season, but with Justin Simmons gone and a commitment to younger players up and down the unit, keeping up with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert might be a challenge.
Payton isn't waving the white flag on 2024, and there will be room to take advantage of the AFC South behind the Chiefs. The Broncos' schedule is a first look at Denver's path to contention this season.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Broncos' 2024 schedule, including dates, start times, and analysis for their slate of games.
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Denver Broncos schedule 2024
The Broncos' full schedule will be announced at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 15, as part of the NFL's schedule release. Their opponents for the 2024 NFL season will be as follows:
- Home: Browns, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Raiders, Steelers
- Away: Bengals, Buccaneers, Chargers, Chiefs, Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Saints, Seahawks
Broncos strength of schedule
The Broncos struggled in 2022, but they still entered 2023 with a tougher schedule than most teams. Denver was tied for 12th in 2023 strength of schedule, based on opponents' 2022 win percentage.
While the Broncos actually improved in 2023 and finished second in the AFC West, their strength of schedule only ranks 20th in the NFL with an opponent win percentage of .495. Why? Like the rest of the AFC West, Denver faces the entire NFC South in 2024.
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Broncos prediction 2024
Broncos Super Bowl odds courtesy BetMGM (+10000)
Toughest tests: The Broncos finally notched a win over the Chiefs last season, but two matchups with Kansas City are bound to be difficult once again. Denver also has to go on the road to face the Ravens, Bengals and Jets.
Biggest breaks: The Chargers and Raiders aren't entering 2024 with big expectations, so those are winnable divisional games for Denver. The Broncos also host the Panthers this season, and no NFC South team looks like a powerhouse entering the year.
Bottom line: It's going to be a long year for the Broncos in all likelihood, but there is a window for one of Denver, the Raiders and the Chargers to stack some wins against non-Chiefs AFC West opponents. If Payton is going to take 2024 to bring Nix along and evaluate his future, it helps that the NFC South matchups provide a soft landing spot, rather than a rookie quarterback having to go up against a tougher NFC division.
Record prediction: 6-11
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