CBS4 Sports Breaks Down Broncos 2013 Schedule

DENVER (CBS4)- In 2013, the Denver Broncos will play the most compelling schedule we've seen in years.

It all starts with a bang. A matchup with the Super Bowl champions to open the season. Followed by a week two battle between Peyton and Eli Manning at the Meadowlands. Just those games alone should get fans excited. You know the Broncos will be seeking some much-needed revenge when the Ravens return to the scene of last year's playoff heartbreaker. The "Prayer In Thin Air" will haunt the franchise and its fans for a long time. The rematch is the perfect way to kick off the new season.

As for the Manning-Bowl, it won't be the first time these brothers have gone head-to-head, but it will be the first time since Peyton relocated to Denver. In the previous two meetings, big brother has walked away with bragging rights both times. We'll take that as a good sign. And for you trivia buffs, the trip to MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands will mean the Broncos have visited every stadium currently in use in the NFL.

And the highlights of the 2013 schedule just keep coming. A Monday nighter against the Raiders in week 3, and then former Oregon coach Chip Kelly bring the Eagles to town to wrap up September. Wonder if his high-octane offense from college will come with him?

The October schedule is loaded with big-name games. A trip to Dallas starts things off. The Cowboys may not be "America's Team" anymore, but we all know how much attention the 'Boys get every season good or bad. Plus any trip to Jerry's World is worth the experience.

Two weeks later, we all be talking about "The Return". Peyton's first trip back to Indianapolis. Imagine John Elway going to another team late in his career, then coming back to Denver to play the Broncos. That's exactly how Colts fans will be feeling. Peyton versus his replacement Andrew Luck will be some serious theater. Manning will try to downplay it during the lead-up, but expect some emotions when this one is done.

And then we've got the "The Return" Part II. Mike Shanahan's first trip back to Denver since his firing after the 2008 season. Mike's no stranger in Colorado, he still has a home and his restaurant here, but how strange will it be to see him on the visitor's sideline in Redskins colors? We all know how competitive Mike is, so it's probably fair to say he's already circled this one on his calendar.

And that's all before the Broncos take their bye in week 9!

The second half of the season is heavy on AFC West games, but there is another trip to New England waiting in late November. I guess we could call that "The Return" Part III. This time it's Wes Welker's turn to face his old team. Tom Brady was said to be an unhappy camper when Welker got away. Will he be feeling the same way when Welker and the Broncos board the buses for the trip home? This should be an interesting week around the water cooler. What will get more talk? Welker's return or Peyton vs. Brady?

Lost in all these marquee matchups, the end of the season. The Broncos must travel to Houston and to Oakland to finish the year. The Texans figure to be in the mix again this season, and you can never predict what will happen in the Black Hole.

So there you have it. The Broncos in 2013. Five prime time games, 9 games here on CBS4 and only 5 more months to wait until it starts.

2013 DENVER BRONCOS SCHEDULE

PRESEASON

Week 1: Thursday, Aug. 8
Denver Broncos v. San Francisco Chargers
Candlestick Park
Kickoff 7 p.m.

Week 2: Saturday, Aug. 17
Denver Broncos v. Seattle Seahawks
Qwest Field
Kickoff 8 p.m.

Week 3: Saturday, Aug. 24
St. Louis Rams v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 6 p.m.

Week 4: Thursday, Aug. 29
Arizona Cardinals v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 7 p.m.
                                
REGULAR SEASON           

Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 5
Baltimore Ravens v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 6:30 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 15
Denver Broncos v. New York Giants
MetLife Stadium
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, Sept. 23
Oakland Raiders v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 6:40 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 29
Philadelphia Eagles v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 6
Denver Broncos v. Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Stadium
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 13
Jacksonville Jaguars v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 2:05 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 20
Denver Broncos v. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Kickoff 6:30 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 27
Washington Redskins v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 10
Denver Broncos v. San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 17
Kansas City Chiefs v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 2:05 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 24
Denver Broncos v. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Kickoff 6:30 p.m.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 1
Denver Broncos v. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium
Kickoff 11 a.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 8
Tennessee Titans v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 2:05 p.m.

Week 15: Thursday, Dec. 12
San Diego Chargers v. Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kickoff 6:25 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 22
Denver Broncos v. Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium
Kickoff 11 a.m.

Week 17: Sunday Dec. 29
Denver Broncos v. Oakland Raiders
O.co Coliseum
Kickoff 2:25 p.m.