Denver Broncos' 5 most must-win games on 2026 schedule

Now that we have had a chance to look at and take in the schedule for the Denver Broncos in 2026, many thoughts have already started brewing. 

It's a tough schedule right out of the gate. The Broncos will also play games on Black Friday and Christmas Day. They will open the season on Monday Night Football on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though the Broncos are a popular pick to reach the Super Bowl, they are going to have to earn it against this first-place schedule. 

After discussing the team's most difficult games, it has several it must prove itself superior in. Though many factors can change between now and the time these games are actually played, if the Broncos are going to be a legitimate contender in 2026, these are games they must find a way to win. 

Must-win games for the Broncos in 2026

Week 5 at Los Angeles Chargers

When the schedule starts out with a road game at Arrowhead before coming back to Denver to face Jacksonville and the Rams and then going to San Francisco in Week 4, the Broncos could be staring at having to dig themselves out of an early-season hole. 

They lost to the Chargers at Sofi Stadium in Week 3 last year and that had the Chargers hot on their tail for the division title until late in the season. The Broncos need to get past their division rival here. 

Week 7 at Arizona Cardinals

If you're a true contender, you don't lose games like this, even on the road. 

Week 11 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Regardless of who is playing quarterback at this point for the Raiders, the Broncos need to sweep them again this season, but beating them at home is a must. 

Let's see what's on TV! 📺 pic.twitter.com/JDPsnbupg4

Week 13 vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins may be the worst team in the NFL and could be picking No. 1 overall in the 2027 draft. The Broncos can't even let this team hang around. 

Week 14 at New York Jets

The Jets are another bad team with quarterback issues and even though it's a road game, the Broncos need to jump on them early and put them away. They struggled against them last year in London, and likely should have even lost that game. That can't happen here. 

HOT READ: Broncos Schedule: Team history in season openers vs. Chiefs, Monday Night Football

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