[Mile High Mania]

All right, let's look at the schedule... begins and ends with Raiders' games and both KC games are played in the first 8 weeks heading into the bye in week 9. I always like at least 1 late game between our teams, but that series will be done before Halloween. Six games after Thanksgiving and only 2 in Denver, I don't like that at all, would much rather have late home games.

1 - vs Raiders W
2 - vs Commanders W
3 - @ Dolphins*
4 - @ Bears*
5 - vs Jets*
6 - @ Chiefs
7 - vs Packers W
8 - vs Chiefs*

BYE

10 - @ Bills
11 - vs Vikings*
12 - vs Browns W
13 - @ Texans W
14 - @ Chargers
15 - @ Lions*
16 - vs Patriots*
17 - vs Chargers W
18 - @ Raiders*

Three of the first eight games before the bye are in Denver, so you guys will appreciate that... there's a chance those first 4 games could have good results, but that stretch from week 5 through week 11 is very tough.

I'll provide my updated thoughts later, but I'm still in the 9-10 win ballpark with no playoffs. I see 6 games that I would comfortably put as a win and another 7 with an * where I think they can win. Yes, I'll always mark home vs KC with an * and as I've said many times, I'll never project < .500 before the season.

And, no I'm not suggesting they have a shot at winning 10+ games. They will lose 1-2 they should win and vice versa, in the end... no more than 10 wins, that's the ceiling and likely looking at 9 if they can avoid injuries. Obviously have to fix some of the problems from Russ, but avoiding another rash of injuries is key.