WEEK 1 — Sept. 12

at N.Y. Giants, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31

The Broncos have never won a September game under coach Vic Fangio (0-7). Mission accomplished against the offensively-challenged Giants. The win puts the Broncos over .500 for the first time since Week 3 of ’18. Next stop, Super Bowl!

The call: Broncos 27, Giants 17

WEEK 2 — Sept. 19

at Jacksonville, 11 a.m., KCNC-4

The first home game for coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be a challenge, but the Broncos ultimately wilt because of the crippling Florida heat.

The call: Jaguars 30, Broncos 27

WEEK 3 — Sept. 26

vs. N.Y. Jets, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4

An absolute must-win and the Broncos’ first home appearance before a full stadium since the 2019 finale. The Jets have rookies at coach (Robert Saleh), play-caller (Mike LaFleur) and quarterback (Zach Wilson). No excuses.

The call: Broncos 17, Jets 0

WEEK 4 — Oct. 3

vs. Baltimore, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4

This could be Denver South alum Calais Campbell’s last visit to Mile High and it is also the return of defensive end Derek Wolfe, now in his second year with the Ravens. The last time these two teams met, Joe Flacco was starting … for Baltimore.

The call: Ravens 24, Broncos 16

WEEK 5 — Oct. 10

at Pittsburgh, 11 a.m., KDVR-31

Last season began to fall apart in a Week 2 loss at the Steelers when receiver Courtland Sutton was lost for the year (ACL) and quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) was injured early on. We don’t think the Steelers are all that good, either, but good enough to win this one.

The call: Steelers 23, Broncos 21

WEEK 6 — Oct. 17

vs. Las Vegas, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4

Former Raiders/Broncos coach Mike Shanahan enters The Ring of Fame (voted in last summer). We only wish Al Davis was still around to seethe as Shanahan was honored at midfield. Derek Carr will complete darn near every pass, but will lose on Pat Surtain II’s interception.

The call: Broncos 27, Raiders 26

WEEK 7 — Oct. 21

at Cleveland, 6:20 p.m., KDVR-31/Amazon/NFL Network

The Broncos traveled to the Eastern time zone last October and beat the Jets on a short week. This is a stiffer test and receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry and tight ends Austin Hooper and David Njoku will push the Broncos in coverage.

The call: Browns 17, Broncos 14

WEEK 8 — Oct. 31

vs. Washington, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31

It’s Ring of Fame Day for quarterback Peyton Manning, who is only seven years older than Washington starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, 38. Fitz has played only three games against the Broncos as a member of three teams (win for Buffalo, losses with Tennessee and Miami).

The call: Broncos 34, WFT 17

WEEK 9 — Nov. 7

at Dallas, 11 a.m., KDVR-31

The Broncos’ first trip to Jerry World since a 51-48 win in 2013. Dak Prescott needed 30 completions to total 238 passing yards in his only game against the Broncos (loss in ’17). The second of a three-game stretch against teams with losing records last year.

The call: Cowboys 28, Broncos 23

WEEK 10 — Nov. 14

vs. Philadelphia, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4

The Eagles should be in the stage where they say to themselves, “We’re rebuilding, but let’s not admit it to anybody.” To start camp, they were committed to Jalen Hurts at quarterback (Carson Wentz was traded to Indianapolis). First-round receiver DeVonta Smith will be fun to watch.

The call: Broncos 23, Eagles 9

WEEK 11 — Bye

WEEK 12 — Nov. 28

vs. L.A. Chargers, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4

The Chargers gave away last year’s game at Mile High, a come-from-ahead-loss (led 24-3, lost 31-30 as time expired). Former Broncos assistant Brandon Staley is the Bolts’ new big whistle and inherits quarterback Justin Herbert, defensive end Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James.

The call: Chargers 31, Broncos 24

WEEK 13 — Dec. 5

at Kansas City, 11 a.m., KCNC-4

On the current roster, only outside linebacker Von Miller and kicker Brandon McManus have experienced a Broncos win over the Chiefs, who have 12 consecutive wins in the series. Slowing down Patrick Mahomes and Co. is a primary reason why the Broncos loaded up on cornerbacks.

The call: Chiefs 20, Broncos 14

WEEK 14 — Dec. 12

vs. Detroit, 2:05 p.m., KDVR-31

New general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell are doing a floor-to-ceiling renovation project with the Lions, who haven’t won a playoff game since 1991. If things aren’t going well for the Broncos, the no-show count will be monitored.

The call: Broncos 37, Lions 23

WEEK 15 — Dec. 19

vs. Cincinnati, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4

The Broncos interviewed Zac Taylor for their head-coaching opening in January 2019 and he ended up with the Bengals (6-25-1 record). But at least he has quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase to build around. The Bengals won’t be good, but they’ll be interesting.

The call: Broncos 40, Bengals 28

WEEK 16 — Dec. 26

at Las Vegas, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4

How about this for a weekend? Fly to Las Vegas on Christmas Eve for two nights of fun (or debauchery), attend the Broncos’ second visit to Allegiant Stadium (Sunday), which was closed to fans last year, and then stay for the Avalanche’s game at Vegas (Monday).

The call: Raiders 35, Broncos 34

WEEK 17 — Jan. 2

at L.A. Chargers, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4

The home of this year’s Super Bowl and receiver Jerry Jeudy’s nightmare (five dropped passes in last December’s loss to the Bolts). Like the previous week, it will be interesting to see how many Broncos fans flood the opponent’s new stadium.

The call: Chargers 29, Broncos 21

WEEK 18 — Jan. 9

vs. Kansas City, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4

Chad Henne takes over the Chiefs’ offense from Mahomes because Kansas City has steamrolled through the AFC to clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs. This could be the last game for we-don’t-know-how many coaches/players.

The call: Chiefs 30, Broncos 27

Final record: 7-10

*Flexible scheduling is used in Weeks 11-18. For Week 18, two games will moved to Saturday, Jan. 8.