clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Is the NFL trying to set up the Denver Broncos to lose the AFC West?

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

When the Broncos 2016 schedule was released, the first thing I noticed was the primetime schedule. After winning five-straight AFC West titles, the NFL put all of the Denver Broncos divisional road games in primetime. If that doesn't spark thoughts of conspiracy, I don't know what would.

Why does it bother me? Because teams tend to be more fired up for home games in primetime. You'd think the NFL would want to spread out those home primetime division games evenly, but not this year.

Is it a conspiracy? Probably not. The Broncos are the defending Super Bowl champions and having them play competitive road games on primetime is just part of the deal. Still, its more than a little annoying.

  • Week 6 - Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (Thursday Night Football)
  • Week 9 - Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (Sunday Night Football)
  • Week 16 - Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday Night Football)

The first one doesn't bother me as much. The Broncos play the Chargers tough and the Chargers are not very good right now. The game also gives the Broncos a few extra days to prepare for Brock Osweiler's return the following week.

The game in Oakland will be a tough one. Most of you have already heard from Raiders fans this offseason about how great their team is, which means that place will be rocking all night long.

However, Arrowhead in December is sort of a House of Horrors for the Broncos. That is going to be one of the toughest outs of the year for the defending Super Bowl champions.

What do you think Broncos Country?