So you're sitting there wondering which game to watch, and Denver isn't available. Which team do you cheer for if you want the outcome to help Denver? No problem; MileHighReport.com has you covered.
Here's the match-ups for week one, and who to cheer for (and the reason) if you want help for the Broncos' chances at the playoffs. Note that the choices will become easier as the season gets into the second and third weeks. (Team for Denver fans to cheer for is in bold).
We're also rating the games on how important they are for Denver fans. For instance, a Denver game, or a game that features a Denver division rival, gets near a 5, while a less important game gets a 1. So given a choice of several games, you now know which one is more important to watch!
Let's feed the schedule into MHR's Super Computer and see what results we get...
1 WASHINGTON at NEW YORK GIANTS - Assuming that NYGs are the better team (SB champs), we don't want them making it to the SB, do we?
2 DETROIT at ATLANTA - We play ATL this season, but not DET. We want ATL to have as good a record as possible so we can claim a better "common opponents' record" in the event of a tie-break to get in the playoffs or for seeding.
1 CINCINNATI at BALTIMORE - CIN is more likley to do better in the AFC North. Root for the underdog to CINCY fro getting a decent record.
3 SEATTLE at BUFFALO - Take the NFC team over the AFC team to help Denver's odds of making the playoffs.
2 NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI - We play the NYJs and MIA this year. The NYJs are much more likely to challenge us for a playoff spot than MIA (MIA doesn't look so hot). Cheer for MIA to get the upset.
4 KANSAS CITY at NEW ENGLAND - Take any team against one of our division opponents.
1 TAMPA BAY at NEW ORLEANS - Assuming (as I do) that NO is much better than TB, root for then underdog.
1 SAINT LOUIS at PHILADELPHIA - Root for the team that isn't projected to do as well.
2 HOUSTON at PITTSBURGH - PIT has a better chance in their division than HOU does against JAX and INDY. Thus, it makes sense to cheer for HOU to keep PIT at bay for us.
3 JACKSONVILLE at TENNESSEE - We play JAX this season, but not TEN. We want JAX to have as good a record as possible so we can claim a better "common opponents' record" in the event of a tie-break to get in the playoffs or for seeding. But since JAX is more likely to challenge us for a playoff spot, go with TEN.
3 DALLAS at CLEVELAND - While we play CLE and not DAL this year, and thus want CLE to have a better record (so we can claim a better "common opponents' record" in the event of a tie-break to get in the playoffs or for seeding), root for DAL. CLE is in our conference, and could compete with us for a wild card spot or playoff seeding.
4 CAROLINA at SAN DIEGO - SD is a Division opponent. Cheer for the other team.
1 ARIZONA at SAN FRANSISCO - Assuming that ARI is better than SF (I do), root for SF.
3 CHICAGO at INDIANAPOLIS - Take the NFC team over the AFC team to help Denver's odds of making the playoffs.
1 MINNESOTA at GREEN BAY - I'm giving the Vikings the edge this season. Root for the underdog.
5 DENVER at oakland - You cheer for Denver in every game.