When the 2024 NFL schedule was released last spring, the Denver Broncos were only given two initially-scheduled prime-time games: a Thursday Night Football showdown with the New Orleans Saints and a Monday Night Football clash with the Cleveland Browns.
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Denver outperformed outside expectations last fall thanks in large part to the impressive play of rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the club's formidable defense. When the Broncos emerged as playoff contenders, the NFL rewarded them with two more nationally-televised games with flexes: a TNF clash with the Los Angeles Chargers and a Saturday special against the Cincinnati Bengals.
After making the playoffs last fall with an exciting young quarterback, Denver coach Sean Payton expects more than two prime-time games on the 2025 schedule.
"[W]e embrace them," Payton said of nationally-televised games. "The schedule comes out here in a few days. There will be a few more [primetime] TV games. It’s part of the deal, and you get comfortable doing it. It’s a lot better than the alternative. That’s what you want. It’s one of the things that’s attractive about coaching or playing here, is the history. I think if you’re a competitor, that drives you.”
The NFL's limit for initially scheduled prime-time games is six per team. The Broncos might not hit that limit, but it seems fair to assume they will top last year's number.
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