ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos' schedule is almost here.
In just a week, Denver's 2025 schedule will be announced, and the team will learn the dates and times for its upcoming season.
The official announcement is set for Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. MT, and you can find the Broncos' complete schedule on DenverBroncos.com, the Broncos' social channels, the Denver Broncos mobile app, NFL.com, NFL Network or NFL+.
But why wait?
Each year, I take a guess at how the Broncos' schedule is going to unfold. It's less of an attempt to get all 18 weeks correct — I got, uh, two right in 2024 — and more of an attempt to build up excitement ahead of the schedule announcement.
Because while we know who — and where — the Broncos are playing, the season feels more real when you know the season opener and the prime-time games and how the final stretch of the season will unfold.
As a reminder, the Broncos host the Jaguars, Titans, Cowboys, Giants, Bengals and Packers, in addition to their divisional opponents. They'll travel to face the Texans, Colts, Eagles, Commanders and Jets, and they'll also take trips to battle the Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders.
On to the predictions.
Week 1: Broncos vs. Bengals — "Monday Night Football"
Monday, Sept. 8
The Broncos have opened their season with a division opponent just once in the last five years. Let's guess the trend continues, and I'm predicting we get to see a prime-time rematch of last year's thrilling overtime game in Cincinnati.
Week 2: Broncos at Colts
Sunday, Sept. 14
Denver won a critical game in the AFC playoff race against the Colts late last year. The predicted rematch comes much earlier in 2025.
Week 3: Broncos at Eagles
Sunday, Sept. 21
Denver's crack at the reigning Super Bowl champions comes early in the season and gives the Broncos a chance to show what they're all about.
Week 4: Broncos vs. Giants
Sunday, Sept. 28
Will the Broncos see Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart at quarterback in Week 4?
Week 5: Broncos at Raiders
Sunday, Oct. 5
Denver's season turned with a 100-yard pick six against the Raiders in Week 5 last year. This year, Denver will travel for their first matchup with the new-look Raiders led by Pete Carroll and Geno Smith.
Week 6: Broncos vs. Chiefs — "Thursday Night Football"
Thursday, Oct. 9
Can Denver make a run at the AFC West? Winning a home matchup against Kansas City would be critical in making that happen.
Week 7: Broncos vs. Titans
Sunday, Oct. 19
Denver's secondary will face off with first-overall pick Cam Ward.
Week 8: Broncos at Commanders — "Sunday Night Football"
Sunday, Oct. 26
I wouldn't be surprised to see Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, the top performing rookie quarterbacks from 2024, battle it out in prime time in their first career meeting.
Week 9: BYE
Sunday, Nov. 2
After a Week 14 bye in 2024, the Broncos get an earlier break in 2025.
Week 10: Broncos at Jets
Sunday, Nov. 9
Denver travels east for a rematch of last year's rain-soaked game. This year, Justin Fields is expected to be at QB, and former Broncos Assistant GM Darren Mougey is running the front office in New York.
Week 11: Broncos vs. Cowboys
Sunday, Nov. 16
Dak Prescott is just one of the talented quarterbacks the Broncos' secondary will have to grapple with in 2025.
Week 12: Broncos at Chargers
Sunday, Nov. 23
This is another tempting option for prime time, as Nix and Herbert didn't disappoint in their "Thursday Night Football" game last season.
Week 13: Broncos at Texans — "Sunday Night Football"
Sunday, Nov. 30
C.J. Stroud has a playoff win in each of his first two seasons. This could be a battle between two AFC contenders, depending on how the rest of the season shakes out.
Week 14: Broncos vs. Jaguars
Sunday, Dec. 7
Former CU Buff Travis Hunter could be a do-it-all player for Jacksonville in Year 1.
Week 15: Broncos vs. Raiders
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Broncos swept the Raiders a year ago. Will they have the opportunity to do the same in 2025?
Week 16: Broncos at Chiefs
Sunday, Dec. 21
Can Nix add his name to the short list of Denver quarterbacks to win at Arrowhead in December?
Week 17: Broncos vs. Packers - Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec. 25
Let's get crazy. How about a little Mile High Christmas magic?
Week 18: Broncos vs. Chargers
Sunday, Jan. 4
If the Broncos face off with the Chargers in Week 18, it could be for playoff seeding — or even more.