Thanksgiving Day Game Reportedly Highlights Denver Broncos' 2013 Schedule

We already know who the Denver Broncos are going to play in 2013—now we are beginning to discovery when they are going to play.

According to a report on MileHighSports.com (via IAOFM's Douglass Lee), the Broncos will have plenty of prime-time games next season, earning the maximum number of five scheduled night games.  According to MHS, NBC Sports wants to feature Denver in their first Sunday Night Football game of the season.

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The network’s wish list for Sunday, Sept. 8, [has the] Broncos @ Giants [game on top].  Peyton Manning versus Eli Manning.  The huge New York television market.  According to sources, it will be a 'major upset' if this is not the SNF opener.

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The magazine's website went on to note that if the Broncos don't open the season on SNF, they'll likely a host a divisional rival the following day on Monday Night Football.  The San Diego Chargers hired away Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy as their new head coach in the offseason and Denver pulled off an historic comeback the last time the two teams played on MNF, setting the stage for a rematch.

Later in the season, the Broncos "are a lock" to play in Dallas against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

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While the plan for opening weekend is still being finalized, one game on the Broncos schedule is all but set in stone. Denver will be playing on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) in Dallas. 'It’s a lock,' said a league source.

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The last time the Broncos played in Dallas on Thanksgiving, Denver won in overtime by a score of 24-21 following running back Ron Dayne's 55-yard run that set up a game-winning field goal.  The Cowboys have participated in a Thanksgiving game every year since 1966 with the exception of just two seasons since then.

In addition to the Giants and Cowboys, the Broncos will also play the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and the AFC West on the road next season.  At home, Denver will have an easier schedule consisting of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens and, as always, their division rivals.

Since John Fox took over the Broncos head coach in 2011, Denver has gone 21-11.  Under Manning, the team is 13-3 (not including the playoffs).

Last year, the Broncos opened the season on Sunday Night Football with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers before going on to play in four more prime-time games in 2012.  This fall, fans will get another high dosage of Denver football.