Denver has the 12th toughest schedule, (.512) in the league this coming campaign. The AFC West plays non-division games against the AFC East and NFC South this season and that means the Broncos will face a trio of teams in those divisions that reached the playoffs last season (New England, Buffalo, New Orleans). Denver also has one more non-division matchup against a 2019 playoff participant as they kick off their regular season against Tennessee, not to mention, two division dates against Super Bowl champion Kansas City. Okay, with all of that said, let’s find out their NFL odds and how the Broncos will make out in each and every game on their 2020 docket.
NFL Denver Broncos Calendar Odds & Analysis
One year after posting a solid, seven-win season in their first year under head coach Vic Fangio, the Denver Broncos (7-9 SU, 9-7 ATS) are looking to take another step forward in their quest to snap a four-year playoff drought and three-year streak of losing records.
There’s some good news in the fact that the Broncos may have finally found their next franchise quarterback in young signal-caller Drew Lock, but his status as an NFL starter certainly isn’t cemented with less than a half-dozen starts under his belt heading into 2020.
2020 NFL Odds
Sept. 14: vs. Tennessee
The Broncos might be playing at home in their regular season opener, but Tennessee has the edge at quarterback, running back and the Titans are looking to build on their playoff run to the AFC Championship. Loss.
Sept. 20: at Pittsburgh
The Steelers will have Ben Roethlisberger back under center in 2020 and that means Pittsburgh will be even better than the never-say-die unit that scratched and clawed their way to an impressive eight wins a year ago. The Pittsburgh Steelers take care of business in a meeting of relatively evenly matched teams. Loss.
Sept. 27: vs. Tampa Bay
Denver’s stout defense, which finished an impressive 10th in points allowed last season, will get after Tom Brady in this affair, but it won’t be enough as the future Hall of Famer completely outplays Drew Lock to lead the revamped Bucs to the convincing win! Loss.
Oct. 4: at New York Jets
After three straight losses to open the season, the Broncos get their first win of the season by subduing Sam Darnold while Drew Lock shows off all of his vast potential. Win.
Oct. 11: at New England
The Patriots will be playing at home in this affair and young quarterbacks rarely beat Bill Belichick teams. This one goes down to the wire as Drew Lock outplays Jarrett Stidham, but the Patriots prevail late. Loss.
Oct. 18: vs. Miami
No, I’m not expecting Tua Tagovailoa to be on the field for Miami in this Week 6 matchup, but it really won’t matter either way as Denver’s defense – and a healthy dose of desperation – prompt the broncos to get the convincing win! Win.
Oct. 25: vs. Kansas City
Even at home, Denver’s defense won’t be able to completely contain Patrick Mahomes and company and the Broncos definitely don’t have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the high-scoring Chiefs! Loss.
Nov. 1: Bye
Nov. 8: at Atlanta
The Broncos will be well-rested, but I’m going with Atlanta to get the confidence-boosting home win as Matt Ryan outplays Drew Lock and the Falcons put up a few too many points for Denver’s modest offense to keep up with. Loss.
Nov. 15: at Las Vegas
The Broncos and Raiders split their two regular season meetings a year ago with each team winning at home. I expect a repeat of that scenario in 2020. Win.
Nov. 22: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Broncos take the first of two regular season meetings against the Chargers to make it three straight following last season’s sweep of the Bolts. Win.
Nov. 29: vs. New Orleans, Loss
Even at home, there’s no way that Denver keeps pace with the explosive Saints in this Week 12 inter-conference clash. Drew Brees gives Drew Lock and education on how to play quarterback at the NFL level! Loss.
Dec. 6: at Kansas City
Not only are the Chiefs far superior offensively, but Kansas City held Denver to nine combined points in their regular season sweep a year ago. Loss.
Dec. 13: at Carolina
While I’m expecting Teddy Bridgewater to outplay Drew Lock in this matchup, I’m also going with the more mature Broncos to get the big road win in Week 14, mostly out of sheer desperation and a great defensive effort. Win.
Dec. 19-20: vs. Buffalo
Denver puts up a real fight in this matchup, but Buffalo’s defense and the fact that Josh Allen can make plays with his legs, helps the AFC East title hopefuls get the low-scoring win in Week 15. Win.
Dec. 26-27: at Los Angeles Chargers
While I’m expecting first round draft pick Justin Herbert to be under center for the Chargers by the time this Week 16 division rival matchup rolls around, that’s one of the reasons I like Denver to get the win as Von Miller and company harass the former Oregon star into at least one costly turnover. Win.
Jan. 3: vs. Las Vegas
Denver closes out its 2020 campaign with a thrilling, hard-fought home win against their hated division rivals. Win.
Overall Analysis and Prediction
While I really liked what I saw out of Drew Lock late last season and I believe he may finally be the answer to the Broncos’ longstanding issues under center, the fact of the matter is that the jury is still out on the former Missouri star simply because he’s only made five career starts.
Nevertheless, I’ve got Denver improving by one game to finish at 8-8 in 2020, although I’m certainly not expecting them to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West division title or reach the playoffs this coming campaign.
2020 Prediction: 8-8
