The 2012 Denver Broncos are well on their way to winning the AFC West title and could clinch a playoff berth as early as December 2nd! This is an exciting time to be a Denver Bronco fan!

Looking ahead to next year, I though I would list the teams we are going to have to play. Only 2 of the teams are a "best guess" and could change. All the rest I mention will be on our schedule without fail. These 13 teams are the teams I'm going to be watching closely for the rest of the season to get a preview of what we are in for next year. I thought I would share in case others would like to do the same. I thought this would also be a good opportunity to explain how the NFL schedule is made since many people don't know.

Each team plays the other three teams (Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers ofr us) in their division twice: once at home, and once on the road (six games). I'm assuming everyone already knows this and needs no further explanation.

Each team plays the four teams from another division within its own conference once on a rotating three-year cycle: two at home, and two on the road (four games). In 2013 we will be playing teams from the AFC South. This will include the Texans, Colts, Jaguars, and Titans.

Each team plays the four teams from a division in the other conference once on a rotating four-year cycle: two at home, and two on the road (four games). In 2013 we will be playing teams from the NFC East. This will include the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, and Redskins.

Each team plays once against the other teams in its conference that finished in the same place in their own divisions as themselves in the previous season, not counting the division they were already scheduled to play (AFC South for us): one at home, one on the road (two games). This is where the "best guess" scenario comes in to play. Right now it looks like the Ravens are going to win the AFC North title. The Patriots seem to also be in control of their own destiny atop the AFC East. I'm counting on the Broncos winning their division and having these two teams on their schedule again next year.

Next year looks to be FULL of rematches and interesting matchups. Here are some highlights to look forward to:

-Killing the Raiders. Slowly. Ditto for everyone else in our division. MUAHAHA!!!

-Fox vs Shannahan and Manning vs RGIII when we play the Redskins

-Manning vs Manning when we play the Giants

-Highly anticipated rematchs vs the Texans, Patriots, and Ravens

-Manning vs Luck and the Colts when we play Indy

GO BRONCOS!