Denver Broncos' Super Bowl Run: Bold Predictions for Each Game

The Denver Broncos have made a huge splash this offseason in their attempt to bring championship football back to Denver. The obvious groundbreaking signing was of course future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, but they didn't stop there.

With the signings of several key role guys (Tracy Porter, Mike Adams, Justin Bannan, Drayton Florence) and a draft of potentially great players, this is a team very clearly in win-now mode.

The question on everyone's mind now is, will it work?

Does this team have what it takes to grab the golden trophy at season's end?

Here are some bold predictions for how the season will play out. Things may change week to week with injuries and other variables that occur, but what will happen with an injury-light season?

Week 1: Broncos vs. Steelers

And so begins Denver's rough path to a championship. This team will open with the tough Pittsburgh Steelers, whose season they ended early in the playoffs. You know revenge will be a factor for the Steel Curtain in this one.

However, Denver has a completely overhauled look this season. With the legendary Peyton Manning at QB, albeit with concerns about the health of his neck, Denver opens against a tough defense, yet one that will likely again be without star safety Ryan Clark due to his blood-disorder problems at high altitudes.

Manning will be working with a young offense, one that will still be gelling. However, we would expect that he will have his offense as ready as possible right from opening day. The defense will benefit from several veterans coming aboard, with the possible exception of DJ Williams, who is still fighting a suspension.

All if this to say, it is difficult to completely gauge where Denver will be at at this point.

However, with a healthy Peyton Manning leading the charge and Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil leading the rush, this could be a solid start to the 2012 campaign.

Bold Prediction: Peyton Manning throws for three TDs (Eric Decker catching two of them), Von gets two sacks and a forced fumble, and Tracy Porter picks off Roethlisberger on a rushed throw.

Broncos win 24-20.

1-0

Week 2: Broncos at Falcons

Denver will face another tough test in Atlanta in only Week 2. Again, we can expect that Peyton Manning will come to win and he will expect his teammates to do the same. If nothing else, his drive and desire to win will propel this team to be great across the board.

The Giants showed us in the playoffs that if enough pressure can be put on Matt Ryan in the pocket, this offense can be stopped. They came away with a dominant 24-2 win to kick off their Super Bowl run. This will be a huge test for Denver's defense.

The Falcons' D has its moments, but is not spectacular, especially coming against a Manning-led offense. If the line can get enough pressure on Ryan and not get gashed by the run game, this could continue Denver's run at a successful season.

Bold Prediction: Manning throws for three more TDs, McGahee runs for a fourth. Von gets a sack and Dumervil grabs two. Champ comes away with two picks and Denver comes away with a big W.

Broncos win 31-17.

2-0

Week 3: Broncos vs. Texans

Yes. I predict we get past the Steelers and Falcons, but I'm nervous about the Texans. This is a solid team. Great passing game. Explosive running game. Solid defense. This team has the potential to cause problems for Denver.

They lost Mario Williams over the offseason, but still seemed very strong defensively without him at full health last season. The Texans did struggle against Manning's Colts, and so there will be a strong desire to down his Broncos.

This has the potential for a shootout. Both defenses will be tested, but Denver's may be a bit deeper.

Bold Prediction: Arian Foster rushes for two TDs and Schaub passes for two more, but Manning tosses for two TDs, Ronnie Hillman scoots for a 60-yard TD and McGahee adds another. Matt Prater kicks two field goals. Denver sneaks away with one at home.

Broncos win 34-28.

3-0

Week 4: Broncos vs. Raiders

Here comes the team in black. We know these guys all too well. Although, we may not recognize them as well without the recently departed Al Davis. This should be a good matchup.

We've grown to not expect a gimme win in recent years. We've been torn apart by a potent running game and steadily improving defense.

However, we've grown used to the Raiders losing more often than not due to poor coaching and an owner making head-scratching personnel decisions. They appear to be moving away from this era.

They enter Denver with a familiar head coach (former DC Dennis Allen) who enters against a much different Denver team than when he left.

He will face an All-Pro QB, a defense that has improved since he coached it, and a veteran coaching staff, including the newly hired Jack Del Rio, who should bring a veteran know-how to the defense that DA may not be able to match.

The Raiders appear on the upswing, but may still have some kinks to work out. Peyton Manning won't make that any easier.

Bold Prediction: Manning throws three first-half TDs to Demaryius Thomas in a breakout game for DT en route to an early 31-7 halftime lead. Manning comes out to give Osweiler some reps and Denver cruises at home as Brock tosses a fourth-quarter TD.

Broncos win 41-14.

4-0

Week 5: Broncos at Patriots

This is obviously a huge test game. The Patriots always come ready to play, and Tom Brady keeps defensive coordinators up at night.

The Broncos' defense will face its stiffest test of the season. If the D can keep up with the Pats' high flying offense, Denver could have a shot in this one. Easier said than done. A barnburner looks to be in the works.

Bold Prediction: Tom Brady throws four TD passes. Manning responds with three of his own as well as a McGahee rushing TD, but it's not enough.

Patriots win 34-31.

4-1

Week 6: Broncos at Chargers

Much has been made of Peyton Manning's performances against the Lightning-bolts. Many think he is foolish for trying to play in the AFC West just for this reason. Y

es, he has had a few poor performances against the Chargers. Every QB has some. However, the team he is on now has some great players around him and has been upgraded over the offseason.

In addition, we do not know which Chargers team will show up. In seasons past, this has been a great team on paper, led by a Pro Bowl QB in Philip Rivers.

However, this is a team that can look Super Bowl bound one week, and the next implode on itself. Until we see this paper-great team produce consistently, no one can tell whether this will be an easy win for SD or big win for the Broncos.

Bold Prediction: Rivers comes out firing at home, throwing for two first-quarter TDs. Denver's D then stiffens, seeing Dumervil and Miller each getting a sack. Manning throws two TDs of his own to his two tight ends Tamme and Dreesen in the third quarter. Bailey and Porter each come up with second-half picks, but Ryan Matthews scores a late TD to give the Chargers a late lead and the W.

Chargers win 24-20.

4-2

Week 8: Broncos vs Saints

After a Week 7 bye, the Saints come marchin' in to Denver. By this point we should have a clear view of the direction of both teams.

It is difficult at this point to tell for sure what the Saints will look like this season, having been rocked by bounty-gate, losing their head coach for the season, and their star QB still holding out for a new contract.

Their defense is not spectacular, but is a playmaking defense. Obviously the real threat the Saints represent is on the offensive side of the ball. If Denver can still boast a mostly healthy offense of their own, this game should be a fun one to watch. It may come down to which defense can clamp down harder.

Bold Prediction: Denver is a bit slow coming off their bye week and falls behind 21-10 at halftime behind 2 Drew Brees passing TDs. Manning leads a second half resurgence however, tossing 2 TDs of his own. McGahee runs for a fourth-quarter TD and Porter comes up with a rare pick off of his former QB late as the Broncos stun the Saints at home.

Broncos win 31-28

5-2

Week 9: Broncos at Bengals

Denver enters Cincinnati in Week 9, looking to pick up a big win on the road. The Broncos will be facing the exciting duo of Andy Dalton and the electrifying AJ Green. Dalton and Green hooked up in a big way last season, leading the Bengals to another postseason birth.

This is still a young team, though. Denver beat this team last season with Kyle Orton at QB, so hopes must be high if we still have a healthy Peyton Manning at this point.

With half a season to jell already, Denver should be playing at a fairly high level by this point, if there are no major injuries to deal with.This should be good football, but Denver should come away with it.

Bold Prediction: Manning spreads the ball out, as he does so well, and has the Bengals' D on the run. Decker, Thomas and Tamme each grab TD passes. Ronnie Hillman breaks out for two TD dashes. The Bengals attempt a rally, but Denver is too much.

Broncos win 35-24.

6-2

Week 10: Broncos at Panthers

Denver enters Week 10 on the second half of their two-game road trip against the exciting Carolina Newtonians. This could be a trap game.

Cam Newton led the Panthers to a 6-10 record last season, and they will be looking for more this year. This is not a team to overlook. We would not expect a Manning-led team to overlook anyone, but if the defense blinks, Newton will be in the end zone. This is a tough one.

Bold Prediction: Running games prevail. Newton rushes for two sneaky TDs and throws for a third. Denver comes back though with two TDs from McGahee and two passing TDs from Manning. Champ picks off Newton late as he forces one. Denver escapes.

Broncos win 28-24.

7-2

Week 11: Broncos vs Chargers

The Chargers come to town in Week 11 hungry for a sweep of Denver. Peyton, though, is still working to shake his stigma of mediocrity against SD. The Chargers have been Denver's stiffest rival division competition since Rivers took over at QB.

Denver will come out fighting to defend their home turf. This may again be a year where we never know on a given week what Chargers team will come to play. Denver figures to offer a fight to the death to prove this is a different Denver team than SD has brushed away in years past.

Bold Prediction: Manning opens firing away, leading Denver on three first-half touchdown drives and to a 24-14 halftime lead. Rivers rallies the Chargers with 2 second-half TDs, but Manning counters with a clutch drive and toss to Decker to claim the W.

Broncos win 31-28.

8-2

Week 12: Broncos at Chiefs

Even as we hit the home stretch of the year, the path gets no easier as the Broncos head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs. Though this is not a Chiefs team that has been a serious Super Bowl contender in recent years, this is definitely not a team to overlook.

This is a team that bottled up Aaron Rodgers last season in putting an end to the Packers' push to perfection, in spite of an injury-riddled season. Assuming they can see their injured stars return to glory, this is a team that may have a bright season ahead.

Their biggest concern is their QB play. Even if Matt Cassel can return healthy, which will emerge? The one who led the Patriots to 11-5, or the one who has struggled to justify being made KC's franchise guy?

Bold Prediction: Both defenses emerge early. Cassel throws a couple picks while Manning throws one as well. The Chiefs strike first with Jamaal Charles rushing in 2 TDs. KC enters the half up 17-7. Denver comes out hot in the second half though, with two Manning tosses to Tamme and Decker, and McGahee pounds one in from a yard out. KC rallies, but Denver takes a close one.

Broncos win 28-24.

9-2

Week 13: Broncos vs. Buccaneers

Another trap game for Denver. The Buccaneers have not been a perennial contender of late, but this is a team that can pull off a stunner on any given week.

I'm nervous about a letdown in this one, but I don't seriously expect a full steam ahead Broncos team led by the ever focused Peyton Manning to just let this one go. Tampa has a solid team, but they are still nowhere near their former glory days.

Bold Prediction: The Manning-led Broncos cruise in the first half, going up 24-7 behind two Manning tosses and a Hillman rushing TD. After allowing Tampa back in, Denver finally puts it away with a Porter pick-six.

Broncos win 31-20.

10-2

Week 14: Broncos at Raiders

Entering the Sea of Black in Week 14, Denver will be looking for a season sweep of their hated rivals. The Broncos will once again be tasked with stopping an explosive backfield that gave them all kinds of problems last season.

By this time, Denver should be solidly jelled as a team if no major injury bug has ripped them apart. This game should see both teams in a rhythm and solely focused on taking each other down. Dennis Allen should have more of a feel for his ex team's new look, and will be motivated to take down his old team in his new home.

That does not mean it will happen. The Raiders are still in recovery mode, while Denver is in win now mode with eyes on the Super Bowl. Manning continues his dominant play.

Bold Prediction: Denver is sniffing a playoff bye. They don't let up now. Manning tosses three TDs to Decker, Tamme and Hillman, and the defense stiffens on Palmer, forcing three turnovers. Denver takes it, 28-7.

11-2

Week 15: Broncos at Ravens

Denver enters their second straight road game looking to continue their momentum to the end of the season. The Ravens will come to defend their house, though, and will likely also be fighting for a playoff spot.

This is a Ravens team that has been known for a hard-hitting defense for years, and will likely be the same this season. They may still be missing Ed Reed at this point, which would definitely hurt them, but even his loss will probably not set them back too far.

With Baltimore still not boasting an elite offense (even with Joe Flacco's declaration) and with Denver's defensive improvements, this may turn into a defensive battle.

Bold Prediction: With both QBs struggling a bit with heavy pass rushes, the teams turn to their rushers. Ray Rice bangs in a score for Baltimore, and McGahee responds on a 30-yard TD dash. The game is tight down the stretch, but it's Baltimore who finally ekes out a win.

Ravens win 17-14.

11-3

Week 16: Broncos vs. Browns

The Broncos enter the final weeks with a small breath. They begin their season ending home-stand with the visiting Cleveland Browns. Likely led by the young, old Brandon Weeden, Cleveland is trying to inject new life and excitement into their struggling franchise.

Even if Weeden can achieve a somewhat successful rookie season, I don't see him as having the weapons to defeat the Denver defense. The surprisingly successful Browns pass defense from last year is missing a key component, safety Mike Adams, who now resides in Denver's secondary.

Denver will return from Baltimore unsatisfied and hungry after a loss, and will take out their frustrations on a non-threatening Browns team.

Bold Prediction:  Manning picks apart this defense, tossing four TD passes in a culminating regular season performance. DT catches two of them and McGahee runs for a fifth as Denver sends Cleveland packing.

Broncos win 35-14.

12-3

Week 17: Broncos vs. Chiefs

We'll have to see with this game. If Denver is still playing for a playoff bye, this one will be a fight. If there's nothing to play for, we may see John Fox rest a few starters and we may get a chance to see Brock Osweiler's first NFL start.

Assuming they do start the kid this week, what can we expect from Denver's second-string? KC will be looking to avenge their earlier home loss and will be gunning for this team.

Bold Prediction: Brock must overcome a slow start that sees him throw two first half picks. The Chiefs jump to an early 21-7 lead led by their stiff defense. Brock regroups in the third quarter, tossing two TDs, but Cassel leads KC on a late drive to grab the win.

Chiefs win 28-21.

12-4

AFC Divisional Round: Broncos vs. Texans

The last time we saw the Broncos in the divisional round off a first-round bye, they had Jake Plummer at the helm in 2005. They faced off against the Patriots in their playoff opener and Champ Bailey nearly had an end to end pick-six off of Tom Brady in a Denver win.

Now Denver opens against a hungry Texans team that is not satisfied with last year's limited playoff success. The Broncos will enter with a game leader that is slightly more accomplished than Jake the Snake. Their huddle commander will keep them focused and on task.

Bold Prediction: Manning opens the scoring with a quick strike to longtime friend and teammate Brandon Stokley. Schaub counters with two TD drives of his own, but Manning and the Denver offense are relentless. Peyton works over the Texans like a surgeon, leading Denver on five TD drives before the fourth quarter. Houston puts up a fight, but the Broncos refuse to go down.

Broncos win 38-24.

13-4

AFC Conference Championship: Broncos at Patriots

Did we expect anything else? In a ratings explosion for the NFL, Manning's Broncos face Brady's Pats for the chance to play the big game. It is sure to bring a high-octane game of heavy hitting, scoring, stiffening defense, more receiver curses from Giselle, even more hard hitting, and more scoring.

Denver was killed by the Pats' relentless offense in last year's divisional round, and will be looking for a HEAVY dose of revenge. Champ will be licking his chops at getting another shot at a pick-six off Brady. Peyton is gunning for his third shot at a title. There will be a ton of storylines if we are blessed with this game.

Bold Prediction: Frustrated after a close loss at the beginning of the year, the whole team comes out on fire, forcing a three-and-out from Brady.

Manning leads two straight scoring drives to open a quick 14-0 lead. Brady leads two drives of his own to tie the game, but then is hit under pressure and tosses it into the waiting arms of Bailey who runs it back to give Denver a halftime lead (you knew it was coming).

Both defenses adjust in the second half, and both teams are limited to a field goal in the third. A Manning TD toss is countered with two Brady tosses in the fourth, but Manning leads a long drive to set up Matt Prater with a game winner that he has grown so used to. The spygate curse continues.

Broncos win 34-31.

14-4

Super Bowl: Broncos vs. 49ers

In another juicy matchup, the NFC sees the 49ers finally reach the big dance led by the continued improvement of Alex Smith and the resurgence of Randy Moss.

The defense is also as tough as ever and the Broncos will have met a great match. Defense vs defense. Shot at old man redemption for Manning. Shot at breaking "bust" stigma for Alex Smith. It always comes down to one game, and here it is.

Bold Prediction: Both defenses emerge early in an emotional scoreless first quarter. Manning leads a quick scoring drive to open the second quarter and settles into a bit of a rhythm. He finds Decker on a long strike to open a 14-3 halftime lead as Smith struggles against Denver's pass rush early. He returns with poise, however, and rallies the Niners to within 14-13 entering the fourth.

Manning calmly responds with two TD drives to open the fourth. The 49ers again rally with a TD and field goal to pull within five, but Prater hits a clutch field goal with only 90 seconds to go and Porter comes up with another clutch SB interception to steal Smith's last gasp. Manning leads Denver back to championship glory.

Broncos win 31-23.

15-4

Is It Possible?

When it happens, don't say I didn't tell you so. The schedule looks daunting at first glance, but there are sure to be some surprises along the way.

With an offense and defense both led by sure Hall of Famers, this is a team that expects, and will be pushed to win. Will they?

This is going to be fun. Hope you've enjoyed this. I'll be back with game by game predictions with updated injuries and variables week to week. Stay tuned. When does football start again?