The release of the Denver Broncos schedule always elicits hope.
That’s true now more than ever in these crazy and uncertain times.
The hope of a great season and a return to the NFL playoffs.
Hope that Drew Lock and the Broncos offense live up to the hype.
Hope that the 2020 regular season will even happen.
Denver knew who and where it would play in 2020.
The Broncos now know when they will play.
The NFL released the schedules for all 32 teams on Thursday with the assumption that the regular season will, in fact, take place. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For Lock and Denver to return to the playoffs for the first time since the Super Bowl 50 win, they will have to overcome a tough schedule. The Broncos’ slate is among the 12 toughest in terms of strength of schedule.
The other factor that could pose a problem for Denver is travel to the East Coast after prime time games.
Not to mention what feels like an annual December trip to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Broncos 2020-21 schedule
A | B | C | D | E |
---|---|---|---|---|
Week | Date | Opponent | Time (MT) | TV |
1 | 9/14/2020 | vs. Tennessee Titans (MNF) | 8:10 PM | ESPN |
2 | 9/20/2020 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | 11:00 AM | CBS |
3 | 9/27/2020 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2:25 PM | FOX |
4 | 10/1/2020 | at New York Jets (TNF) | 6:20 PM | FOX |
5 | 10/11/2020 | at New England Patriots | 11:00 AM | CBS |
6 | 10/18/2020 | vs. Miami Dolphins | 2:05 PM | CBS |
7 | 10/25/2020 | vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 2:25 PM | CBS |
8 | 11/1/2020 | BYE | ||
9 | 11/8/2020 | at Atlanta Falcons | 11:00 AM | CBS |
10 | 11/15/2020 | at Las Vegas Raiders | 2:25 PM | CBS |
11 | 11/22/2020 | vs. Los Angeles Chargers | 2:05 PM | CBS |
12 | 11/29/2020 | vs. New Orleans Saints | 2:05 PM | CBS |
13 | 12/6/2020 | at Kansas City Chiefs (SNF) | 6:20 PM | NBC |
14 | 12/13/2020 | at Carolina Panthers | 11:00 AM | CBS |
15 | 12/19-20/2020 | vs. Buffalo Bills | TBD | |
16 | 12/26-27/2020 | at Los Angeles Chargers | TBD | |
17 | 1/3/2021 | vs. Las Vegas Raiders | 2:25 PM | CBS |
Broncos playoff odds
After the release of the schedule, Denver’s odds to make the playoffs saw a slight jump on DraftKings Colorado.
After the NFL Draft, the Broncos were “yes” at +165 and “no” at -210.
Denver now sits at yes +150 and no at -182.
FanDuel remains unchanged from the draft, with the odds still yes at +162 and no at -205.
The SuperBook, which has partnered with The Lodge Casino in Black Hawk, has the Broncos odds to make the playoffs at yes +170 and no -190. While The SuperBook is not running in Colorado yet, it is hopeful to be up and running and soon.
As of now, there are four apps for prospective wagers to use.
- DraftKings — partner with Golden Mardi Gras
- FanDuel — partner with Golden Gates Casino
- BetMGM — partner with Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino
- BetRivers — partner with J.P. McGill’s Hotel and Casino
Broncos Week 1 game odds
For the second-straight season, Denver opens with the late Monday Night Football game.
The Broncos opened the 2019 regular season at the then-Oakland Raiders.
This season Denver does so at home versus the Tennessee Titans.
The Broncos open as a slight favorite on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
DraftKings has Denver at -1.5 on the point spread and -155 on the moneyline.
FanDuel has the Broncos at -2.5 and -140, respectively.
As for the Week 2 matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers, as you would expect, Denver enters as the underdog.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel have the Broncos at +4.5.