My Game by Game W-L Predictions for the 2026 Broncos

[iknowftbll]

I guess I'd better get this in before the season actually starts. It's been a busy summer to say the least, that's part of it. But the other part is every time I sit down and try to guess what this schedule will look like by the end of it all the truth is I really don't have a clue. In 2024 I was very confident they would go 10-7 and they did. The way it happened was different than I predicted but 10-7 is 10-7. The same thing happened last year with my very optimistic 14-3 prediction.

Can I make it three in a row?

Yes, I can.

So what does 2026 have in store for these Broncos? Much has been made of a very tough opening to the schedule, and I suppose for good reason. But this slate is full of very good opponents from the beginning to the end, so it's not like the Broncos are out of the woods once they reach the end of the first six games. Here's how I think it'll play out:

Week 1: Broncos @ Chiefs (MNF): Win, 23-20. I have wanted a week 1 game @ Chiefs for years. They had a down year last year and were absurdly fortunate in 2024. But this is 2026, and we haven't heard the last from this team just yet. I know we all want to see a statement win, a big blowout, something like that, but I think it's going to be very close. Broncos 1-0.

Week 2: Broncos vs Jaguars: Win, 28-17. If I remember correctly a lot of us had a bad feeling about the late season tilt with the Jags last year. I think the Broncos drawing them in their home opener is going to make this a tough one even for a good Jags team. Broncos 2-0.

Week 3: Broncos vs Rams (SNF): Loss, 21-24. I'm not fully on the Rams hype but I definitely think they are a good team. The Broncos are too, but they're not gonna win all of them. Broncos 2-1.

Week 4: Broncos @ 49ers: Win, 23-17. A rebound win on the road against what appears to be another good team. Broncos 3-1.

Week 5: Broncos @ Chargers: Loss, 21-27. The Chargers lately always seem to be good for at least 1 win against the Broncos and may actually be their biggest threats in the AFC West. Broncos 3-2.

Week 6: Broncos vs Seahawks (TNF): Win, 31-24. Now this one I consider a statement win. It's been a tough slog to open the season and throw in the defending champs in a primetime slate on a short week...The Broncos get up for this one and leave us all wondering what might have been where it not for a broken ankle. Sports are cruel. Broncos 4-2.

Week 7: Broncos @ Cardinals: Win, 41-14. Coming off a big win and a little extra time to prepare the Broncos just run away with this one. Broncos 5-2.

Week 8: Broncos vs Chiefs: Win, 31-17. Predicting a sweep against the Chiefs is still risky business, here it is. I'm not saying they're done. I'm saying in 2026 the Broncos will be the better team and it will show in this one. Broncos 6-2.

Week 9: Broncos @ Panthers: Win, 34-17. Traveling to the Eastern Time Zone for an early game has historically seen the Broncos start slow and/or never fully recover. But this team will be riding some momentum going into this one and stay focussed. Broncos 7-2.

Week 10: Bye. Not a bad place for it either.

Week 11: Broncos vs Raiders: Win, 37-13. Maybe I'm giving the Broncos too much credit or not giving the Raiders enough. Some bad Raiders teams have played the Broncos pretty close and I don't think this year's Raiders team is going to be as bad as last years. That's pretty bad. And coming out of the bye it's very possible they are sluggish. Or they come out hot and obliterate the Raiders. Let's go with that. Broncos 8-2.

Week 12: Broncos @ Steelers (Black Friday): Loss, 17-20. A run of impressive wins comes to an end with a tough, close loss. Broncos 8-3.

Week 13: Broncos vs Dolphins: Win, 30-10. I wanted to predict 70-20 but I don't think the Dolphins score that much. Broncos 9-3.

Week 14: Broncos @ Jets: Win 24-16. Should be a win. Should be a big one in fact. But the Jets will keep it close and even after a win there will be people sounding the alarm! Broncos 10-3.

Week 15: Broncos @ Raiders: Win 21-19. After the Jets play the Broncos close the Raiders do the same, coming within a 2 point try of sending it to OT. Broncos 11-3.

Week 16: Broncos vs Bills (Christmas Day): Loss, 23-24. This game is sort of the late season equivalent of last year's game against the Jags. After two "sloppy wins" and now a loss, talk of the Broncos being "one and done" in the playoffs begins. (I'll not name names but some of you are among the regulars on this board. You know who you are...). Broncos 11-4.

Week 17: Broncos @ Patriots: Win, 31-13. Okay do I believe the Patriots belonged in the Super Bowl? Well, yes, they did just enough to beat a team starting a backup who hadn't made a start in years. And it took a few Broncos miscues to keep the Pats in it. So yeah, they belonged. And I'm very big on the reality that you can't prove a negative. But I really believe the Broncos would have had that game wrapped up by halftime if Bo Nix had been available. Broncos 12-4.

Week 18: Broncos vs Chargers: Win, 31-17. Not only do I say they win, but I'm going to add a bonus prediction: Both the Broncos and Chargers enter this one at 12-4, making this a winner take all in the West. Broncos 13-4.

Okay so 13-4 isn't as good as last year's 14-3, but every season has its own dynamic. I think this Broncos team is going to be better than last year's team in fact. I also think 13-4 will put them in contention for the #1 playoff seed once again. Let's hope we don't have any silly injuries that help rubber stamp inferior team's SB runs this time around.

It really is great to once again be able to get excited about Broncos football!

 

[SpringStein]

Always look forward to your predictions - and may you be right on target….again!

 

[LGM]

Can you imagine week 17 Chargers/Broncos game for not only the AFCW, but the difference between see #1 or #2 and the 5th or 6th seed? Crazy.

 

[iknowftbll]

Can you imagine week 17 Chargers/Broncos game for not only the AFCW, but the difference between see #1 or #2 and the 5th or 6th seed? Crazy.

Clearly I can imagine it because I wrote it into the predictions!

 

[MileHigh64]

Excellent post, @iknowftbll ! I think you're gonna be damn close. We'll probably win a couple of your predicted losses and we'll most definitely lose a game or two that we should win. I think the Broncos end the year with 12 total wins but I'd be thrilled with your 13 victory prediction. Go Broncos!

Give me a Broncos vs. Chargers at Mile High in week 17 for all the marbles. Would absolutely love that!

 

[Mountain Bronco]

Love it when @iknowftbll does this and love his optimism. So fun. Here are mine without as much detail.

Week 1: Broncos @ Chiefs (MNF): Win and this is more about the fact that I think KC has a weak roster but it will be tight and could go either way.

Week 2: Broncos vs Jaguars: Win, Jags lost some real important pieces last year and this is a home opener we need to have.

Week 3: Broncos vs Rams (SNF): Loss Rams are loaded.

Week 4: Broncos @ 49ers: Win but could be a loss as the 49ers are a bit of a mystery with injuries.

Week 5: Broncos @ Chargers: Loss chargers when playing full team have Broncos number plus McDaniel's v VJ scares me.

Week 6: Broncos vs Seahawks (TNF): Loss - tough home loss.

Week 7: Broncos @ Cardinals: Win bounce back on road after mini by and two losses.

Week 8: Broncos vs Chiefs: Win - again, Chiefs roster isn't great and Broncos play them well.

Week 9: Broncos @ Panthers: Win panthers are more like kittens.

Week 10: Bye. (6-3)

Week 11: Broncos vs Raiders: Win duh.

Week 12: Broncos @ Steelers (Black Friday): Win - Steelers are tough but Rodgers can't stand the pass rush heat.

Week 13: Broncos vs Dolphins: Win duh.

Week 14: Broncos @ Jets: Win duh.

Week 15: Broncos @ Raiders: win duh.

Week 16: Broncos vs Bills (Christmas Day): Loss big letdown game - do we belong?.

Week 17: Broncos @ Patriots: Loss - pats are solid and this is a tough road game.

Week 18: Broncos vs Chargers: Loss - Chargers have Broncos number.

11-6 wildcard. I do think we could be 13-4 or as low as 10-7 as the schedule is tough.

 

[iknowftbll]

Love it when @iknowftbll does this and love his optimism. So fun. Here are mine without as much detail.

Week 1: Broncos @ Chiefs (MNF): Win and this is more about the fact that I think KC has a weak roster but it will be tight and could go either way.

Week 2: Broncos vs Jaguars: Win, Jags lost some real important pieces last year and this is a home opener we need to have.

Week 3: Broncos vs Rams (SNF): Loss Rams are loaded.

Week 4: Broncos @ 49ers: Win but could be a loss as the 49ers are a bit of a mystery with injuries.

Week 5: Broncos @ Chargers: Loss chargers when playing full team have Broncos number plus McDaniel's v VJ scares me.

Week 6: Broncos vs Seahawks (TNF): Loss - tough home loss.

Week 7: Broncos @ Cardinals: Win bounce back on road after mini by and two losses.

Week 8: Broncos vs Chiefs: Win - again, Chiefs roster isn't great and Broncos play them well.

Week 9: Broncos @ Panthers: Win panthers are more like kittens.

Week 10: Bye. (6-3)

Week 11: Broncos vs Raiders: Win duh.

Week 12: Broncos @ Steelers (Black Friday): Win - Steelers are tough but Rodgers can't stand the pass rush heat.

Week 13: Broncos vs Dolphins: Win duh.

Week 14: Broncos @ Jets: Win duh.

Week 15: Broncos @ Raiders: win duh.

Week 16: Broncos vs Bills (Christmas Day): Loss big letdown game - do we belong?.

Week 17: Broncos @ Patriots: Loss - pats are solid and this is a tough road game.

Week 18: Broncos vs Chargers: Loss - Chargers have Broncos number.

11-6 wildcard. I do think we could be 13-4 or as low as 10-7 as the schedule is tough.

It is a tough schedule for sure. But also think of this: the Broncos are one of the toughest if not the toughest opponent on many of these teams’ schedules!

 

[cdumler7]

This might be my favorite annual post on this board! Thanks for doing this and putting in such time and energy into it. This post alone probably wins you POTM when September ends.

Just like with Sean Payton and me not doubting him as a head coach...I'm going to stop doubting you when you make these predictions. Last year I laughed at the idea we could go 14-3. Now I have egg on my face and that won't happen again. This is a tough schedule for sure, but what I love is the Broncos are built barring injury to beat teams multiple ways. Teams sell out to stop the pass well we have this guy that was a top-5 RB last year before injury in Dobbins with 2 good RB's behind him to make you pay for staying in cover-2 type looks. You sell out to stop the run well good luck with Waddle, Sutton, Franklin, Bryant, and Mims all attacking from the WR room and I think we could get a bit more from the TE room this year. We have a strong OL across the board so can't really pick out a weakness and attack.

Let's say the offense is having a bad day...Oh here comes a top-3 defense with one of the best pass rushes in NFL history getting after your QB backed by I think at this point an underrated secondary.

Throw in we have a top-5 coach in football that just seems to know how to push the right buttons at the right time. We also have his hand picked QB that is entering year 3. There is quite a history of QB's going into year 3 seeing a sizable jump in playing ability.

Final point would be just the home field advantages. I'm going to the week 3 game against the Rams and really hoping the fact they are coming from sea level to mile high will give us a nice edge. Fans are excited so any home game should see the sold out crowd continue and that place be loud.

 

[iknowftbll]

@cdumler7 i have gone back and forth about the Rams. I tend to be pretty optimistic in my predictions but I also try to balance it with realism. The Broncos likely aren’t going 17-0 in the regular season. If I’m picking someone to beat them, it’s going to be their top tier competition.

 

[cdumler7]

@cdumler7 i have gone back and forth about the Rams. I tend to be pretty optimistic in my predictions but I also try to balance it with realism. The Broncos likely aren’t going 17-0 in the regular season. If I’m picking someone to beat them, it’s going to be their top tier competition.

If it is a close game I think I can live with it. Great game to prove to the players they can play with the best team in football in case we happen to meet up with them again. Would hate to watch a loss though.

 

[iknowftbll]

If it is a close game I think I can live with it. Great game to prove to the players they can play with the best team in football in case we happen to meet up with them again. Would hate to watch a loss though.

Same. But in all honesty I think it’s just as likely the Broncos sweep that first 6 that everyone is so worried about and then lay an egg or two against bottom feeders like the Cardinals and Raiders.

The NFL is a weird place sometimes.

 

[cdumler7]

Same. But in all honesty I think it’s just as likely the Broncos sweep that first 6 that everyone is so worried about and then lay an egg or two against bottom feeders like the Cardinals and Raiders.

The NFL is a weird place sometimes.

Wouldn't shock me either. I'm just hoping we don't have the early struggles that Payton has had in the past. September seems to be his worst month record wise. I'm hoping with the team returning so many starters and now Payton being able to focus on just being head coach while Davis Webb handles the offense maybe it helps eliminate some of that problem.

 

[iknowftbll]

Wouldn't shock me either. I'm just hoping we don't have the early struggles that Payton has had in the past. September seems to be his worst month record wise. I'm hoping with the team returning so many starters and now Payton being able to focus on just being head coach while Davis Webb handles the offense maybe it helps eliminate some of that problem.

Yeah slow starts and late season injuries are things I really hope we don't encounter this year.

I'm curious how Webb's play calling is going to look. I know fans want to see 30 points every week but it may take some time to develop as a unit on offense. It's a bit of a variable I tried to factor but really don't know what to expect. But for Webb taking on play calling with this roster has got to be a dream job. He's definitely got all the tools at his disposal so I do hope (and anticipate) we see a higher scoring team this year than last year.

 

[cdumler7]

Yeah slow starts and late season injuries are things I really hope we don't encounter this year.

I'm curious how Webb's play calling is going to look. I know fans want to see 30 points every week but it may take some time to develop as a unit on offense. It's a bit of a variable I tried to factor but really don't know what to expect. But for Webb taking on play calling with this roster has got to be a dream job. He's definitely got all the tools at his disposal so I do hope (and anticipate) we see a higher scoring team this year than last year.

something that stuck out to me with Webb at least in the preseason is he called some really good first drives. We scored 17 points on the 3 1st drives of the games. The offense looked ready to go from the jump. There are times with Payton at least in Denver it seems like it takes us about half the game before things start to click and by that point we are down by 7-10 points and fighting back. Would be really nice to see some games this year where we play from the lead most of the game.

 

[iknowftbll]

something that stuck out to me with Webb at least in the preseason is he called some really good first drives. We scored 17 points on the 3 1st drives of the games. The offense looked ready to go from the jump. There are times with Payton at least in Denver it seems like it takes us about half the game before things start to click and by that point we are down by 7-10 points and fighting back. Would be really nice to see some games this year where we play from the lead most of the game.

I hope that translates to regular. It’s always hard to gauge preseason and project into regular season results. But his playcalling is one of the more interesting things to watch early in the season.

 

[LGM]

I hope that translates to regular. It’s always hard to gauge preseason and project into regular season results. But his playcalling is one of the more interesting things to watch early in the season.

I wish someone would translate Crash to regular.

 

[Draft Crazy]

I like it.

 

[58crash]

@cdumler7 i have gone back and forth about the Rams. I tend to be pretty optimistic in my predictions but I also try to balance it with realism. The Broncos likely aren’t going 17-0 in the regular season. If I’m picking someone to beat them, it’s going to be their top tier competi

I wish someone would translate Crash to regular.

I will give you this . Consistent .

I will give you this .Consistent

 

[Brees#1]

Sure

 

[Draft Crazy]

Brees was #9