Looking at the 2008 Denver Broncos Schedule

The Denver Broncos 2008 Schedule has been revealed, and there are quite a few surprises. Here’s my initial take on the games.

Brutal Beginnings – The Broncos open at Oakland, come home to face the Chargers, welcome the Saints the next week, then head to Arrowhead, a virtual House of Horrors for the Broncos in every year but last. In a matter of four weeks, half of our division games will be decided. What a way to get started.

Lack of Prime Time – I honestly thought, despite the 7-9 record, that the Broncos would still be a hot ticket for prime time games. Year after year, Broncos night affairs are among the top moneymakers for the networks. I know 3 is a lot more than other teams, but we Broncos fans are used to 4-5 (remember 2006… I believe we ended with 6 for the season after NBC picked us up a few times). Only 3 this year, and one of them, oddly…

Thursday Night? BEFORE Thanksgiving – I mean, I haven’t looked at a calendar, but I’m pretty sure November 6th isn’t Thanksgiving. And it’s not after it. Yet there we are, playing prime time on a Thursday night in the middle of the season. That’s fine, I’m just curious to see what the NFL has in store, and on what network this game will be played (I have a hunch it’s the NFLN).

November to Remember – The easiest stretch is in November. Dolphins, Browns, Falcons, Raiders, Jets. I’m not saying it’s a cakewalk, but 4 of those teams are drafting in the Top 6 this year.

The Finisher – Finishing the season in San Diego has become routine in Denver. I can’t remember the last time we weren’t heading to southern California in December, this time it’s just the real season ender.

Bookend Division Games – I already noted that three division games will be decided in the first four weeks… the other three will be decided in the final six.