Aric DiLalla

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.The Broncos' 2025 schedule has arrived, and it's chock full of intriguing matchups.

From prime-time games against division opponents to matchups against stars across the league, there's plenty to be excited about as Denver prepares for a critical season.

But which games are the most compelling on the Broncos' schedule? We've got you covered.

5. Broncos vs. Titans, Week 1

There's always juice for a season opener. Broncos Country will get its first look at this year's team at home, and there's plenty of storylines to track. Bo Nix will aim to take a step in Year 2. The Broncos' star-studded secondary will likely face first-overall pick Cam Ward. Denver's big-name free-agent class that includes Evan Engram, Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw should make its debut. Plus, from a big-picture standpoint, the Broncos will get the chance to set the tone for a season in which they hope to take the next step. Earning a win in this game feels important, given the Broncos haven't won a season opener since 2021 and that four of Denver's next five games come on the road.

4. Broncos vs. Chargers, Week 18

There were signs this could be coming. When the NFL announced the Broncos would play Christmas Day against the Chiefs, it set the stage for Denver to finish the year against the Chargers or Raiders. Sure enough, two of 2024's AFC wild-card teams will face off at Empower Field at Mile High to end the regular season. While Denver's prime-time meeting with KC will earn more hype more on that in a moment this game may be just as important. It's certainly feasible the Broncos' matchup with Justin Herbert and the Chargers could determine playoff seeding and even which team wins the AFC West. The Broncos held a double-digit lead in Los Angeles last year with a chance to clinch a playoff berth before the Chargers made a comeback, and Denver will surely want to get in the win column after LA took both matchups in 2024. Both games were decided by seven points a year ago, and it seems entirely likely we'll see a similarly competitive game to end the regular season.

3. Broncos at Commanders, Week 13 "Sunday Night Football"

I seriously considered putting this game first and if the Commanders were an AFC opponent, I might have just done that. Yet while the matchup slotted in below two conference games, there may be no game that I'm as excited to watch in 2025. After the rookie seasons that Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels turned in, this game will be must-watch TV and it's fitting of the Broncos' lone "Sunday Night Football" appearance of the season. Nix led all rookies in passing yards and passing and total touchdowns, and he placed second among rookies in NFL history in the latter two categories. Daniels was incredible in his own right, as he won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led his team to the NFC Championship Game. In Week 13, which comes directly after the Broncos' bye, the two quarterbacks will face off for the first time in their young careers.

2. Broncos vs. Bengals, Week 4 "Monday Night Football"

There's a real argument to be made that the Broncos' battle with the Bengals last season was the game of the year in the NFL. Nix made some incredible throws, Pat Surtain II forced a crucial fumble, the Broncos' defense got after Joe Burrow and Marvin Mims Jr. pulled off a spectacular touchdown grab to help send the game to overtime. The Kevin Harlan call of Mims' grab only made the moment better. While the game ended in heartbreak for the Broncos, the back-and-forth affair showed Nix's poise in big moments and was highly entertaining. This time, the prime-time meeting comes in Denver and the Broncos have added to their secondary to help combat Cincinnati's high-powered offense. First-round pick Jahdae Barron could be crucial in helping Surtain, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian and Co. grapple with an MVP candidate in Burrow and two highly talented receivers in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Each game plays out differently, but it wouldn't be shocking to some fireworks in this one. And while the Bengals missed out on the playoffs in 2024, it would be surprising if this game doesn't have late-season playoff implications.

1. Broncos at Chiefs, Week 17 "Thursday Night Football" on Christmas Day

The Broncos have a chance for a very merry Christmas, as the prime-time battle in Arrowhead could do more than give the Broncos an opportunity for redemption after a gut-wrenching loss in Kansas City in 2024. It may also be a defining game as Denver looks to grab back control of the AFC West from Kansas City for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50. The Broncos have goals beyond simply making the postseason, and it's entirely possible they'll need to win this game to earn a division crown. It certainly won't be an easy challenge, as Nix would become just the fourth Broncos quarterback to win at Arrowhead in December. The Broncos, though, have shown their ability to compete with the Chiefs and their five standalone games are evidence of a team on the rise. With the nation watching on Christmas, they'll have the chance to turn that potential into reality.

[Note: This ranking is the opinion of the author and does not represent the organization].