Denver Broncos' 2012 Schedule Won't Be a Problem for Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning can handle any schedule that is thrown at him.

According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, the four-time MVP is changing teams for the first time and is joining the AFC West champion Denver Broncos. The Broncos were 8-8 last season but made it to the divisional round of the playoffs after an overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A team winning the division at 8-8 proves the division is weak. Three teams were at .500 with the Kansas City Chiefs having the only losing record at 7-9. As of now, the Broncos are the only team to make a major improvement to their roster.

Anything can happen in the NFL, as we saw with the San Francisco 49ers last season. They went from missing the playoffs to earning the second seed in the NFC. Although it can happen in the AFC West this season, it doesn't seem likely.

The schedule for the Broncos is what is being talked about as a derailment to the Manning era in Denver. They have the second-toughest schedule based off last season's records. However, what is not mentioned is the fact the other three teams in their division have to go through an almost identical schedule.

So yes, the Broncos will have a hard schedule this season and may to play many close games. They will play seven teams that made the playoffs last season, including the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and a rematch with the Steelers.

Let's not forget Manning is an elite quarterback. He is capable of beating the great teams. If Manning can lead the Broncos to a 3-4 record against last year's playoff teams, everything will be fine in Denver. How the Broncos do against their own division will determine if they make the playoffs.

Manning will thrive against the Raiders' and Chargers' defenses this season and should provide four easy victories. The Kansas City Chiefs have a stout defense, but the Broncos should be able to at least split the season series with them.

Overall, the Broncos should be able to win 10 or 11 games this year with Manning under center. If he doesn't have any setbacks there should be no reason why the former Colts star won't be his normal self. Manning will elevate the Broncos to a higher level this year and help carry them through a tough lineup of teams.

Just remember, the Broncos schedule is hard, but so is the schedule for the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders. Those teams are not at the same level as the Broncos now that they have Manning. The division is the Broncos to take, and don't expect them to lose it.