Predicting the Broncos' 9 remaining games and final record

After going 14-3 last season and clinching the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed as an AFC West champion and conference contender, the Denver Broncos face a much tougher schedule in 2026.

From the defending Super Bowl champions to several title contenders, the Broncos will face 10 teams that made the NFL playoffs last season. Up next is a road showdown against the Carolina Panthers (3-4), who are fighting to stay in contention in the NFC South.

The Broncos will likely need at least 10 wins this fall to secure a spot in the AFC playoffs. Can they do it? Check out our score predictions for the club's remaining games below, plus Denver's projected final record.

Week 9: Broncos 25, Panthers 23 (7-2)

Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos at the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

Week 10: Bye Week (7-2)

Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; A general view of the game ball on the field after the game between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Week 11: Broncos 25, Raiders 24 (8-2)

Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) at the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter aLas Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Week 12: Broncos 20, Steelers 21 (8-3)

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense lines up against the Denver Broncos defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Week 13: Broncos 24, Dolphins 19 (9-3)

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) scores a touchdown in the second quarter as Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) try to make the tackle on the play during the first half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Sept. 24, 2023.

Week 14: Broncos 23, Jets 20 (10-3)

Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Denver Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (60) snaps the ball against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Week 15: Broncos 28, Raiders 18 (11-3)

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: The Oakland Raiders line up against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

Week 16: Broncos 24, Bills 26 (11-4)

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; The Buffalo Bills line up against the Denver Broncos during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Week 17: Broncos 21, Patriots 20 (12-4)

Oct 18, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18: Broncos 23, Chargers 17 (13-4)

Sep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) avoids Denver Broncos defensive tackle DJ. Jones (93) as he looks to pass in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Final record prediction: 13-4

Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton reacts before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Broncos bowed out of the NFL playoffs in the AFC Championship game last season after losing quarterback Bo Nix to a broken ankle in the divisional round. They'll aim to get back into title contention this fall.