The NFL will announce the Denver Broncos' 2026 schedule soon, with the team likely to secure multiple prime-time games after a strong 14-3 season. Five specific matchups are highlighted as prime candidates for national broadcasts.
The NFL is set to announce the Denver Broncos' 2026 schedule on Thursday evening, and after going 14-3 and clinching the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed last year, Denver should be a top candidate for prime-time games.
Each team can have up to six initially-scheduled prime-time games, not including standalone windows like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving. So, in theory, the Broncos could have eight nationally-televised games on their initial schedule, but five or six feels more realistic.
We already know that Denver will open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 1. Here's a quick list of five other Broncos games that should also be strong contenders for a prime-time spotlight.
5. Broncos @ Steelers: Pittsburgh and Denver have historic playoff history, and the NFL loves putting the Steelers in prime-time windows.
4. Broncos vs. Seahawks: The defending Super Bowl champions from the NFC against the AFC's top seed from 2025.
3. Broncos vs. Rams: Another NFC title contender set to visit Denver, L.A. should be a candidate for several prime-time games this fall.
The article identifies five specific matchups that are strong contenders for prime-time slots in the Broncos' 2026 schedule.
The NFL is set to announce the Denver Broncos' 2026 schedule on Thursday evening.
The Broncos can have up to six initially-scheduled prime-time games, with the possibility of additional standalone games on holidays.


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2. Broncos vs. Bills: Buffalo knocked Denver out of the 2024 playoffs and the Broncos knocked the Bills out of the 2025 playoffs. CBS might want to protect this game, but it would be a great match for a national spotlight.
1. Broncos @ Patriots: This game needs no explanation. New England beat Denver in the AFC Championship game while Bo Nix was sidelined with a broken ankle. The Broncos will be eager for a rematch, and (health permitting) it will mark the first Nix vs. Drake Maye showdown in the NFL. This feels like a matchup made for Sunday Night Football.
We already know Denver's full list of 2026 opponents, but the dates, kickoff times and television networks for those games will be announced on Thursday evening.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 games deserve prime-time coverage in 2026