Key Highlights
- The Denver Broncos have had a relatively easy start to the season but are about to face tougher challenges.
- Warren Sharp’s analysis shows that while the Broncos’ current schedule is not the toughest, it will become significantly harder in the coming weeks.
- The final eight games include matches against strong contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Commanders.
Denver Broncos’ Season So Far
The Denver Broncos have started their 2025 season with a promising record of 5-2. They currently hold the top spot in the AFC West division going into Week 8. However, this early success may be short-lived as their upcoming schedule is set to become considerably more challenging.
Strength of Schedule Analysis
Warren Sharp from Sharp Football Analysis recently shared a chart highlighting the strength of each team’s remaining schedules for the season. According to his analysis, the Denver Broncos have had one of the easier schedules through their first eight games. However, this is set to change dramatically in the coming weeks.
The Easy Start
Through Week 8, the Broncos’ schedule was ranked as having the sixth-easiest difficulty level among all NFL teams. This included upcoming matches against strong opponents such as Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, but these were offset by easier fixtures like those against Houston Texans.
The Hard Road Ahead
Starting from Week 9, the Broncos’ schedule will rank much higher in terms of difficulty. According to Sharp’s analysis, they are expected to face one of the most challenging schedules for the rest of the season. Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming opponents:
Challenges Ahead
- Kansas City Chiefs (twice)
- Green Bay Packers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Washington Commanders
- Los Angeles Chargers
All of these teams have demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level, and some even have playoff aspirations. The Broncos will also face the Houston Texans, who have shown defensive strength despite their overall record.
Injuries and Bye Weeks
It’s worth noting that several of the teams the Broncos are set to play against are missing key players due to injuries. However, by the time these games roll around, those players might be back in the lineup, potentially altering the dynamics of the matches.
Implications for the Broncos
The changing strength of schedule poses a significant challenge for the Broncos as they aim to maintain their position atop the AFC West. While they can take some solace from having already faced tough competition earlier in the season, the upcoming games will test their resilience and depth.
Key players like quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Peyton will need to lead their team through this critical period. The Cowboys game is particularly crucial as the Broncos face one of the best offenses in the league.
Despite the Cowboys’ defensive shortcomings, the Broncos must be prepared for a full-scale offensive assault.
As Bob Morris notes, while the Broncos have started well, they cannot afford to become complacent. The second half of the season will be crucial for their playoff prospects and overall record. Stay tuned as we follow this exciting chapter in the Denver Broncos’ 2025 NFL journey.
