The 2011 Schedule for the Denver Broncos: Here's the Game-By-Game Predictions

In my game-by-game predictions, well, "sort of predictions" with a whole bunch of back-peddling, I have completed the AFC South and the NFC South. In those two divisions I see the Colts as the division winner of the AFC South and New Orleans as the winner in the NFC South. Both divisions hold a potential Wild Card in Houston (AFC) and Tampa Bay (NFC), although at least at this point the Bucs have a better chance.

That all being said, I turn to the AFC West. The AFC West was won by Kansas City in 2010. Can they repeat? Let's see how the Denver Broncos will fare first. The Denver Broncos did not do well in 2010, turning in a 4-12 record. How will 2011 treat the Broncos?

I am using FB Schedules' website for the "2011 schedule of the Denver Broncos."

First allow me to say no matter how the Broncos do in 2011, the fact that John Elway is heavily involved with the team means that mediocrity will not be allowed for long. I can't say that I agree with hiring John Fox as the head coach but Elway may know something I don't. Certainly it's true the Carolina Panthers have problems that go beyond the head coach.

The Denver Broncos against the AFC West:

Among other things, in 2010 the Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs, so divisional competition is still alive and well in the AFC West. It is for that reason I think the Broncos will hold their own against the Chiefs as well as the Oakland Raiders. They will split the games they play with them. However, they will be swept by the San Diego Chargers, who were dramatic under-achievers in 2010. Give Denver a 2-4 division record.

The Denver Broncos on the road against non-divisional teams:

The Broncos in 2011 are on the road against the Patriots, Jets, Tennessee, Chicago and Green Bay. That is a 0-5 call if I ever saw one. However, few teams fail to upset someone, and while Tennessee would seem the likely candidate, teams that are close in records are the hardest to beat. On the other hand, the New York Jets occasionally tend to lose games they should win, so they will get the nod. The Broncos lose to the Bears, Pack, Titans and Patriots and beat the Jets for a 1-4 non-divisional road record.

The Denver Broncos at home against non-divisional teams:

In 2011, the Broncos play host to the Bills, Dolphins, Bengals, Lions and Vikings. I'm going to shake things up and say that the Broncos will beat Buffalo, Miami and the Vikings. They will lose to the Detroit Lions and be upset by the Cincinnati Bengals for a 3-2 non-divisional home record.

So the Denver Broncos will improve, a little bit. They will improve, but remember the AFC West is a tough division and the other three teams will be hungry.

Reference:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 Denver Broncos Football Schedule"