First six weeks will determine Denver Broncos 2026 season

Following the official release of the 2026 NFL schedule, the Denver Broncos are preparing to navigate a highly demanding start to their upcoming campaign. Analysts and observers immediately noted the brutal nature of the team's first six weeks, which will force Denver to compete against a rough first-place schedule. The opening stretch is expected to set the tone for the entire year, with game-by-game predictions already highlighting the difficulty of the matchups.^[1][2]

The initial slate of six games is characterized by a relentless series of matchups against recent playoff teams. In addition to the high caliber of their opponents, the Broncos will be thrust into the national spotlight with multiple prime-time television appearances. This combination of top-tier competition and prime-time visibility is anticipated to create a high-pressure environment that mirrors the cinematic drama the NFL seeks to showcase on a weekly basis.^[2]

For Denver, this grueling weekly gauntlet means the first month and a half of the season could ultimately determine their overall success in 2026. The challenging road ahead follows a 2025 season that featured notable moments, such as quarterback Bo Nix celebrating a third-quarter touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 14, 2025. As the team looks forward, surviving the opening six weeks will be critical.^[2]