NFL schedule 2018: Each team’s biggest game

Denver Broncos: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Broncos went into their bye week last year with a 3-1 record, including a surprising blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys and two division victories, But they lost eight straight games right after that, on their way to a 2-10 mark over their final 12 games. That of course included setbacks to all three of their AFC West rivals (two to the Chiefs, including Week 17 with Patrick Mahomes making his first NFL start) as quarterback play remained an issue.

Denver has been swept by Kansas City in each of the last two seasons, and they haven’t beaten the Chiefs at home since 2014. The starting quarterback for the Broncos that day? Peyton Manning. Safe to say, the two games against the Chiefs are already highlighted on the upcoming season slate by the Broncos.

The Broncos have some notable games outside of their division opponents this year, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans coming to town. But the most urgent and immediate hurdle is Kansas City, and trying to end a home losing streak to their chief rival will be Denver’s most important game in 2018.