2011 NFL Schedule: Breaking Down Each Game for the Denver Broncos

Last year was one to forget in Denver, and the only positive thing that came out of it was the luxury of having the No. 2 overall pick.

Needless to say, they used it wisely with Texas A&M's Von Miller to complement Elvis Dumervil.

Add in a new head coach, John Elway in the front office, and the retention of QB Kyle Orton (at least thus far), and 2011 has some hope.

They've also added RB Willis McGahee to the mix, so with him and Knowshon Moreno, the backfield should be halfway decent.

All this said, we can only hope the Broncos get it together quickly with the lockout just ending.

Therefore, here is a breakdown and prediction for each game this year.

Week 1: Oakland Raiders

When: Monday, Sept. 12

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

Last season the Raiders obliterated the Broncos in Colorado, 59-14.

Therefore, expect Denver to come out with a certain swag to avenge that loss on Monday Night Football.

In addition, Oakland CB Nnamdi Asomugha won't be back in the Bay Area, while the Mile High City has improved on defense.

Also, Raider O-lineman Robert Gallery split for Seattle, so their running game won't be as effective.

Kyle Orton shreds the Oakland secondary, while Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller shutdown the Raider ground game, thus forcing Jason Campbell to throw.

Advantage Denver. 

For a Week 1 game against a hated rival at home, you can't ask for much more.

Prediction: Denver 27 Oakland 10

Record: 1-0

Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals

When: Sunday, Sept. 18

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

It's pretty clear that Carson Palmer isn't happy in Cincinnati.

In addition, Chad Ochocinco is gone, and who knows what will Terrell Owens will do.

However, the Bengals brought in WR A.J. Green from Georgia, so the offense shouldn't lose a step.

That said, Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey still reside in the Denver secondary, and still have the ability to get the job done.

Plus, no one on the Bengals will be able to consistently block Dumervil, Ayers, and Miller, so there goes their run game.

As for the Cincy D, well, it's rather average (at best) so the Broncos offense should control the game.

Prediction: Denver 34 Cincinnati 17

Record: 2-0

Week 3: Tennessee Titans

When: Sunday, Sept. 25

Where: LP Field

One of Denver's few wins came at Tennessee in 2010, and they travel there again in 2011.

A lot has gone on in Tennessee since the lockout ended, QB Kerry Collins retired, Vince Young was released, and DE Jason Babin has moved to Philadelphia.

But, replacing Babin to rush the QB will be rookie OLB/DE Akeem Ayers from UCLA.

They also bring in Matt Hasselbeck from Seattle, but have neglected to re-sign Randy Moss.

And, you can't forget about Chris Johnson, so this will be one interesting game.

The Denver pass offense versus the Titans secondary is basically a wash, as well as Dumervil and Miller coming off the edge to stop Chris Johnson.

A lot will rely on who can first stop the run in this game, but no Denver RB comes close to Johnson.

Prediction: Tennessee 24 Denver 19

Record: 2-1 

Week 4: Green Bay Packers

When: Sunday, Oct. 2

Where: Lambeau Field

The biggest test of the year comes in a trip to Green Bay against the defending Super Bowl champions.

A healthy Packers team is easily the best in the game, and they still managed to win it all despite not being a full 100 percent a year ago.

Denver's offensive line will be no match for the G.B. D-line, or rushing LBs like Clay Matthews.

The Broncos defense might be able to slow down the Packers offense, but it won't be enough to completely stop them.

If Denver wants to win, they must completely annihilate the Packers run game, and continue to blitz Aaron Rodgers without mercy.

However, even that may not be enough as we saw throughout the 2010 postseason (against some ridiculous defenses no less).

Prediction: Green Bay 38 Denver 14

Record: 2-2

Week 5: San Diego Chargers

When: Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

The Chargers have been the the Achilles Heel for the Broncos ever since Phillip Rivers earned the starting role.

San Diego is 8-2 versus Denver since 2006, but they no longer have Darren Sproles.

The Broncos almost pulled one off last year losing 33-28 in the regular season finale.

Heading into 2011, both did well in the draft and should improve.

However, Denver has the edge at home with their improved pass rush, while San Diego still has a good pass defense with Quentin Jammer and Eric Weddle.

But, Denver gets the slight edge with the home crowd.

Prediction: Denver 21 San Diego 17

Record: 3-2 heading into the bye-week (Week 6)

Week 7: Miami Dolphins

When: Sunday, Oct. 23

Where: Sun Life Stadium

The Dolphins have been in the news recently with the signing of Reggie Bush, and former Panthers QB Matt Moore.

So, the run game will need to be acknowledged, as will the receiving threats of Brandon Marshall and Kevin Curtis.

The problem is their QB will either be Matt Moore or Chad Henne.

Now, Miami does have a pretty sound defense, so nothing will be a given for the Denver O.

Therefore, if the 'Fins control the clock with the ground game, the Broncs will be in trouble.

However, don't anticipate that with Robert Ayers, Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams, and Von Miller.

Prediction: Denver 17 Miami 12

Record: 4-2

Week 8: Detroit Lions

When: Sunday, Oct. 30

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

Whether people wish to recognize it or not, the Detroit Lions are going to be relevant very, very soon.

2011 could be their breakout season.

Their defensive line will overpower virtually any opponent, and Denver is no exception.

The secondary is still behind though, so if Kyle can find some time, then the Broncos could have some success.

The Detroit offense however, has the ability to burn the scoreboard (if there's a healthy Matt Stafford).

Their WRs are Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and rookie Titus Young from Boise State.

Their RBs, are Jahvid Best (can also play a No. 4 WR) and Mikel Leshoure from Illinois.

As experienced as the Broncos secondary is, no one will be able to completely stop this offense.

Prediction: Detroit 31 Denver 20

Record: 4-3

Week 9: Oakland Raiders

When: Sunday, Nov. 6

Where: Oakland Coliseum

To this point in the season the Broncos have already matched their win total from 2010.

Therefore, it almost feels as if anything hereafter is a bonus.

Well, Denver had home-field and a lot of angry motivation heading into the season opener.

And now the Raiders are looking to get the last laugh of 2011.

Oakland can still run the ball, and Denver has that dominant pass rush.

Also, the Raiders don't have a shutdown corner, but the B-Dawk and Champ aren't getting any younger.

So what gives?

Willis McGahee has a breakout game against one of the league's worst rush defenses.

Prediction: Denver 24 Oakland 20

Record: 5-3

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs

When: Sunday, Nov. 13

Where: Arrowhead Stadium

Somehow last season the Broncos managed to split the series with the Chiefs.

And, the loss in Arrowhead Stadium was close, so they easily could have swept.

Well, Kansas City is looking to defend their divisional crown.

They drafted well, and have done arguably just as good through free agency.

The Broncos offense will have a lot of trouble with a more experienced K.C. defense in Glenn Dorsey, Eric Berry, and Derrick Johnson.

Add in Justin Houston from Georgia, and they're almost complete.

Switch to the K.C. offense and we see another receiving threat in Steve Breaston, while the ground game with Jamaal Charles shouldn't lose a step.

Prediction: Kansas City 28 Denver 13

Record: 5-4

Week 11: New York Jets

When: Thursday, Nov. 17

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

In 2010 the Jets and Broncos had a barn-burner 24-20 game, where New York escaped with the W.

In 2011, the Broncos have significantly improved on defense, while Rex Ryan's squad has much of the same returning.

The Jets D will still be among the best, but the loss of Brad Smith-army-knife Smith (can play WR, RB, QB, or DB) does hurt their versatility.

Also, even though New York signed Plaxico Burress, and re-signed Antonio Cromartie, getting pressure to Mark Sanchez with Dumervil and Miller will be the difference.

Prediction: Denver 20 New York 17 (OT)

Record: 6-4 

Week 12: San Diego Chargers

When: Sunday, Nov. 27

Where: Qualcomm Stadium

A concerning question heading into this game is whether the extra three days to prepare for San Diego will matter.

You know the Chargers will be patiently awaiting Denver after the loss early on, so another question is whether the Broncos can answer the call.

For one, we know Phillip Rivers will have a big game throwing, because of targets like Malcolm Floyd, Antonio Gates, and Vincent Jackson.

Look for Denver to blitz heavily, but watch for the backs (Ryan Matthews, Mike Tolbert and rookie Jordan Todman) to slip out or underneath the coverage.

In sunny San Diego, a shoot-out occurs despite it being late-November.

Prediction: San Diego 45 Denver 35

Record: 6-5

Week 13: Minnesota Vikings

When: Sunday, Dec. 4

Where: Metrodome

RB Adrian Peterson is always a dangerous threat, but a lot will rely on the shoulders of Donovan McNabb if defenses put eight guys in the box.

Therefore, expect Denver to do the same, while using corners Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman to man up on Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin.

With Denver on offense, they may not have too much success running the ball, but have to keep Minnesota honest with some play action, screens, and draws.

That, in turn, will open up Brandon Lloyd more often to give Orton a deep threat verse a solid pass defense.

However, don't be surprised if Jared Allen goes opposite Ryan Clady, and has a field day against Ryan Harris.

Prediction: Denver 21 Minnesota 14

Record: 7-5

Week 14: Chicago Bears

When: Sunday, Dec. 11

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

For as great an addition as Roy Williams is to the Bears offense, the last time he faced the Broncos (Dallas at Denver in 2009) Brian Dawkins cracked his ribs and put him out of the game (enough said).

Also, every defensive player in a Broncos uniform will be smelling Jay Cutler's blood.

You can expect Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to eat him like Simon Fletcher ate 97.5 QBs throughout his career.

The main issue for the offense is how to block Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher.

Running the ball won't happen, so as long as Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, and DeMaryius Thomas expose the DBs, then it should be a solid victory

Prediction: Denver 23 Chicago 13

Record: 8-5

Week 15: New England Patriots

When: Sunday, Dec. 18

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

If there is one team that has given Tom Brady trouble throughout his career, it's the Denver Broncos.

They were the first team to beat Brady in the postseason, and have only lost to him once (6-1 all-time).

Now, that is no indication about how the 2011 match-up will result, but there's no question some interesting features will take place.

For one, Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth are Patriots, so Denver has their hands full even more with New England.

Additionally, Bill Belichick will be aching to improve his 30th ranked pass defense.

Tom Brady gets knocked around, but Wes Welker, Deion Branch, and Chad Ochocinco are just too much for the Broncos pass D.

Prediction: New England 35, Denver 21

Record: 8-6

Week 16: Buffalo Bills

When: Saturday, Dec. 24

Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium

Despite losing LB Paul Posluszny to free agency, drafting Kelvin Sheppard from LSU will soon pay dividends.

Buffalo also went defensive through Alabama DT Marcell Dareus, and Texas CB Aaron Williams.

It'll be fun to watch two top picks go at it in Von Miller and Marcell Dareus, but the Broncos have the slight edge now that Elvis Dumervil is back.

The Bills definitely have the RB advantage in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, so the Broncos will need to focus on them.

Also, getting pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick is crucial with dangerous WRs in Lee Evans and Stevie Johnson.

Broncos win a surprise shoot-out in snowy Buffalo.

Prediction: Denver 37 Buffalo 31

Record: 9-6

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs

When: Sunday, Jan. 1

Where: Invesco Field at Mile High

A surprising 9-6 to this point, the Denver Broncos significantly exceeded expectations with the help of some solid off-season acquisitions.

The Kansas City Chiefs however, will be eyeing some important postseason momentum as they clinch their second consecutive division title.

Look for the Chiefs to pound the rock as they did in 2010, which is first and foremost, their bread and butter.

Also, with a game-changing return man in Dexter McCluster, special teams plays to more evidence in ugly (but the most fun) field conditions.

As for the Broncos?

They gain some much needed momentum leading into the 2012 season.

Prediction: Kansas City 16 Denver 13 (OT)

Record: 9-7

Check out John on Bleacher Report @ http://bleacherreport.com/users/389682-john-rozum

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!/John_Rozum