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Broncos 2019 schedule announced. opens, closes season vs. Raiders By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 18, 2019

Broncos coach will make his debut on national TV against the Oakland Raiders, part of a schedule that includes one other prime-time game.

The NFL released its 2019 regular season schedule Wednesday night, and the Broncos will open as the final game of Week 1 when they travel to Oakland on Monday, Sept. 9 (8:20 p.m.). It will be the Broncos’ first season opener on the road since 2010.

The other scheduled prime-time game is Thursday, Oct. 17, at home against the (6:20 p.m.).

The Broncos will play eight games against 2018 playoff teams and will have a Week 10 bye.

A look at the full schedule:

Sept. 9 (Week 1) — at Oakland, 8:20 p.m. (ESPN)

The new-look Raiders with left Trent Brown, linebacker/ex-Bronco , safety and receivers and kick the season off.

Sept. 15 (Week 2) — Chicago, 2:25 p.m. (FOX)

Just call this one ‘The Fangio Bowl.’ Fangio faces the team of which he was previously the . Other ex-Bears on the Broncos include defensive coordinator , outside linebackers coach and Bryce Callahan.

Sept. 22 (Week 3), at Green Bay — 11 a.m. (FOX)

The Broncos’ first trip to since 2011 (49-23 loss). Green Bay hired Tennessee Matt LaFleur to replace Mike McCarthy as coach. The Packers then re-tooled their defense in free agency by signing defensive end Za’Darius Smith (Baltimore), outside linebacker Preston Smith (Washington) and safety (Chicago). They also signed former Broncos guard/tackle Billy Turner.

Sept. 29 (Week 4), vs. Jacksonville — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

The last time Jacksonville visited the Broncos, it was 2013 and the Jaguars were a record 27-point underdog. The Broncos won 35-19. The Jaguars are two years removed from reaching the AFC title game and signed Nick Foles in free agency. The Jaguars will also be traveling with extra rest, having hosted Tennessee on Sept. 19 in a Thursday night game.

Oct. 6 (Week 5), at L.A. Chargers — 2:05 p.m. (CBS)

The Broncos’ last regular season trip to the converted soccer stadium in Carson, Calif., that the Chargers call home. Last November, Brandon McManus’ field goal triggered a three-game winning streak that got the Broncos into playoff contention — for a week.

Oct. 13 (Week 6), vs. Tennessee — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

A key stretch in the schedule, two home games in five days and three home games over the next four weeks. The Titans’ defense is led by former Broncos linebacker and they signed veteran pass rusher Cameron Wake in the offseason.

Oct. 17 (Week 7), vs. Kansas City — 6:20 p.m. (FOX/NFL Network)

Short week for a Thursday-night game against the Chiefs. The teams met at Mile High last year in primetime and the Broncos squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead, part of a four-game losing streak. Fangio’s big task: Can he devise a pressure package to sack Patrick Mahomes instead of just chasing him around?

Oct. 27 (Week 8), at Indianapolis — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

The Colts were one of last year’s surprise teams, rising from the AFC South basement to beat in the playoffs and lose at Kansas City. Quarterback is 2-2 against the Broncos.

Nov. 3 (Week 9), vs. Cleveland — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

The Browns visit Denver for the second consecutive year — they won 17-16 last December. Since then, Cleveland has promoted offensive play-caller Freddie Kitchens to , hired Steve Wilks (Arizona’s coach last year) as defensive coordinator, traded for Odell Beckham and pass rusher Olivier Vernon and signed free agent defensive tackle .

Week 10 — Bye.

Nov. 17 (Week 11), at Minnesota — 11 a.m. (CBS)

A stretch of three out of four games on the road begins the post-bye portion of the schedule. The Broncos will be making their first trip to US Bank Stadium and will face a Vikings offense whose staff includes former Broncos coach .

Nov. 24 (Week 12), at Buffalo — 11 a.m. (CBS)

The Broncos return to Buffalo after losing there in 2017. The Bills were one of the most active teams in free agency last month, adding receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley, center Mitch Morse, left guard Quinton Spain, Tyler Kroft and running back Frank Gore.

Dec. 1 (Week 13), vs. L.A. Chargers — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

The final month of the season starts with a second trip around the AFC West. The Broncos’ best hope at contending for a playoff spot this year is taking multiple steps forward and hoping the Chargers come back to the pack.

Dec. 8 (Week 14), at Houston — 11 a.m. (CBS)

New offensive coordinator should have an easy mandate for this game: Challenge former Broncos cornerback at every turn. This game is a homecoming for cornerback , who spent the first nine years of his career with the Texans.

Dec. 15 (Week 15), at Kansas City — 11 a.m. (CBS)

The Broncos have lost three consecutive games at . Chances are the Chiefs will have a lot on the line, chiefly home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs.

Dec. 21 or 22 (Week 16), vs. Detroit — Time TBD

This game will be played on Saturday or Sunday and be announced during the regular season. If it’s a Saturday game, it will be a late-afternoon/early-evening start. The Lions won 45-10 in their last visit to Denver (2011).

Dec. 29 (Week 17), vs. Oakland — 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

The two rivals meet to wrap up the regular season. Expect most preseason predictions to have these two teams out of the playoff picture at this point. Could this be a rookie quarterback match-up? vs. ?

Broncos Briefs: Play-caller Rich Scangarello calls “perfect fit” for offense By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 18, 2019

New quarterback Joe Flacco is a “perfect fit for the type and style of offense we play,” Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said Wednesday after minicamp practice.

Scangarello was available to the media for the first time since the Broncos traded a fourth-round pick to the for Flacco on March 13.

Scangarello comes from the Shanahan Coaching Tree, having worked three years under in and San Francisco. In 2014, Flacco threw 27 (a career high) and had a 91.0 passer rating (second-best) for then-Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, a disciple of former Broncos coach .

“It was easy to evaluate that year and watch him play that season because they did some similar things,” Scangarello said.

Scangarello will call the plays and said he is in the room for their meetings, which undoubtedly helps his relationship with Flacco.

“Joe’s been a pro in the NFL for a long time,” Scangarello said. “His resume is really solid when you look at the course of his career. More than anything, I think his skill set marries very, very well with the type of offense we run. He’s tough, he stands in the pocket, he can make all the throws.

“Those are the things you want in a quarterback.”

Von on the draft. Broncos outside linebacker said he will “pay attention,” to the first round of next week’s draft.

“I like all of the guys that everybody likes,” Miller said. “(LSU inside linebacker) . I like (Ohio State quarterback) Dwayne Haskins. He was in here and I got to spend some time with him and talk to him. I like (Alabama defensive lineman) . I’ve played with great inside linebackers. I’ve played with great D-tackles. And I know quarterbacks, too. Those three guys would have to be my picks.”

Miller called Haskins, who visited the Broncos last week, “a pretty cool dude. I liked him a lot.”

Miller briefly advocated for picking Haskins before pivoting toward going the “best available” player route.

Footnotes. Miller on his early impression of coach Vic Fangio’s system: “Coach Fangio is a 3-4 (scheme) guru and it’s good to be in a system like this where it’s all about the outside rushers and the outside linebackers.” … The Broncos will wrap up their voluntary minicamp with a Thursday morning practice. NFL draft preview: Plenty of options if Broncos pass on tight end in first round By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 18, 2019

Tight ends in the draft

BRONCOS STATUS

On the roster: Jeff Heuerman, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagalli and Temarrick Hemingway.

Level of need: High. Heuerman (ribs), Butt (ACL) and Fumagalli (abdominal) were injured last year and the Broncos opted to let Matt LaCosse walk in free agency. The need is based on the unknowns regarding Butt and Fumgalli in particular. Butt has three ACL tears on his record and Fumagalli hasn’t played in an NFL game.

MID-ROUND OPTIONS

Kahale Warring, State

Caught only 51 passes in 26 games so his early entry was a semi-surprise. But size (6-foot-5/252 pounds) and athleticism (4.67 seconds in the 40) have helped stock. … Concentrated on water polo and basketball in high school and started playing football as a walk-on at SDSU. … Missed all but two games in 2016 (foot). … Eight career touchdowns.

Josh Oliver, San Jose State

Seven catches in first two years, but 91 in final two seasons, including 56 for 709 yards and four touchdowns in 2018. … Finished second among FBS tight ends in catches. … On team that went 1-11 and used three quarterbacks, 38 of his catches went for a first down or . … Ran the 40 in 4.63 seconds at Combine (6-4/249).

Dawson Knox, Mississippi

Played quarterback in high school and walked on at Ole Miss, gained 40 pounds and was put on scholarship in December 2017. … Totaled 39 catches for 605 yards (no touchdowns) in 24 games (declared as a fourth-year junior). … Injury history includes broken foot (August 2014), stress fracture in foot (August 2017) and torn knee cartilage (2017 season).

Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

First-team All-America in only year at A&M, catching 49 passes for 832 yards and led FBS tight ends with 10 touchdowns. … Played at Kansas in 2016 and at Northeast Oklahoma A&M in 2017. … Six catches of at least 30 yards last year. … Ran the 40 in 4.75 seconds at the Combine (6-4/251). … Spent offseason training in the Denver area.

Drew Sample, Washington

Met with the Broncos at Combine. … Fifth-year senior had 46 catches for 487 yards and five touchdowns in 51 games (40 starts). … Caught 25 passes as a senior. … Probably more advanced as a blocker than pass catcher.

Thursday: Defensive line.

NFL draft preview: Iowa tight end duo expected to make history By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 18, 2019

At some point on April 25, T.J. Hockenson and will make NFL draft history.

Tight ends from the same school have never been selected in the first round of the same draft, but that is expected to change for the duo from Iowa.

“I take a lot of pride in that,” Fant said. “Obviously, it would be a special thing.”

Hockenson and Fant lead what projects as a special tight end class, players up and down the board who are athletic enough to make an instant impact in the passing game and physical enough to handle themselves as run blockers.

“I can find you tight ends in every round of this draft,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said.

The Broncos re-signed Jeff Heuerman last month and return Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli from injury. But at No. 10, Hockenson could be on their radar. In addition to Hockenson and Fant, Alabama’s Irv Smith could be a first-round pick. There have been only eight first-round tight ends in the last decade, including none in 2011-12 and 2015-16.

If Jacksonville at No. 7, out of the quarterback derby after signing Nick Foles, goes with Hockenson, he would be only the seventh tight end since the 1970 merger to be among the top seven picks.

Hockenson redshirted at Iowa in 2016 and then caught 73 passes for 1,080 yards and nine touchdowns in 26 games over the next two years. At 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds at the Combine.

“He’s the safest player in the draft,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t compare anybody to (retired New England tight end ), but I saw (Hockenson) with the same temperament and nastiness in the run game and then on top of that, he does nothing but get open and catch everything they throw to him.”

Hockenson had seven catches of at least 30 yards last year.

“I could have stayed at Iowa and I would have loved every second of it,” he said. “But on the same hand, I wanted to push myself to be a better player. … It’s flattering (to be in the top 10 discussion). No one knows what’s going to happen until draft day — nobody. You don’t get your hopes up in this process.”

Entering 2018, Fant was the more well-known tight end after a sophomore year in which he averaged 16.5 yards per catch and had 11 touchdowns, most among all FBS tight ends. Fant followed that with more catches (39, up from 30) and yards (519, up from 494), but fewer touchdowns (seven, which still led the Hawkeyes). He was first-team all-Big Ten.

Fant is expected to make a bigger impact as a receiver.

“He’s more explosive (than Hockenson),” Jeremiah said. “He’s functional in the run game; you can get by with him there no problem.”

Fant (6-4/249) ran the 40 in 4.50 seconds at the Combine.

Hockenson and Fant hope to follow the lead established by San Francisco’s George Kittle, a former Hawkeye.

“(Iowa is) so good with tight ends because they develop them,” Fant said. “It’s not just a program where you run routes and catch balls. You have to put your hand in the dirt and you have to split out wide.”

Denver Broncos release 2019 schedule By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 18, 2019

The most telling aspect to the 2019 Broncos schedule is not about who they will play or in what order, but the time of the day the games will be played.

The Broncos have just two primetime games this season. Two. And one is a gimme – the season opener at Oakland in the second half of a Monday night doubleheader that will be shown on Channel 20.

The other is a Thursday night game, October 17 against Patrick Mahomes II and the AFC West-rival Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

The era – when a Broncos’ season had the maximum five primetime games, and sometimes was flexed to a sixth – continues to move deeper into the past.

The two, and only two, primetime games are a reflection of the Broncos going 5-11 and 6-10 the past two years with Trevor Siemian and Case Keenum at quarterback and .

“That’s the benefit, or the unfortunate part of being a top team," Broncos new head coach Vic Fangio said in an interview with 9News about the schedule Wednesday. “You get a lot of them. We just have to work out way back to that status and I’m sure we’ll be back up there with more of those."

Maybe with Fangio as the new boss and new quarterback Joe Flacco, the Broncos will draw more national interest as the season goes on.

Other notes from the Broncos’ 2019 regular-season schedule:

*The bye comes in week 10, or the exact same time as last season. It was well-timed last year as the Broncos were 3-6 going into the bye week, but won three in a row against the Chargers, Steelers and Bengals.

This year, though, week 10 seems late. Because the Broncos play in the Hall of Fame Game on August 1, they play one more preseason game and start training camp one week earlier than other teams. That’s a long grind before a break.

Isn’t week 10 a little late for a bye given the extended preseason?

“No, I’ve never had a bad bye," Fangio said with a smile. “Early, middle, late. To me it has no impact."

*The Broncos open on the road for the first time since the Josh McDaniels era. They opened eight straight seasons at home so they were due.

9News was the first to report the Broncos would open against the Raiders in Oakland.

“Yeah that’ll be an exciting time out there," Fangio said. “I know the Raiders with all the moves they’ve made in the offseason up to this point and they’ve got a bunch of draft picks coming up that they’ll be a much improved team."

“It’s always a great rivalry whenever you play divisional players," said Von Miller, the Broncos star linebacker. “We’re going to go see AB (Antonio Brown) and coach (Jon) Gruden and Trent Brown and all the great guys they’ve got over there. Brandon Marshall, it’ll be good."

*The Broncos first home game is week 2 against the , where Fangio served as a defensive coordinator the previous four seasons.

“When I saw them there I said, “Hmm, well, we’ll get rid of that one early," Fangio said. “So there won’t be much talk between myself and friends there through the whole season so we’ll get it out of the way."

*The Broncos play at Green Bay in week 3 on September 22, which beats playing the Packers at Lambeau Field in December. But the Broncos do play in Buffalo on November 24 and at Kansas City on December 15.

Oh, and they play their final two games of the season in Denver, against the Lions on Saturday, Dec. 21 or Dec. 22 (too be determined), and Sunday, December 29 against the Raiders.

So the Broncos begin and end with games against the Raiders.

*After playing three of four home games entering the bye, the Broncos play four of five on the road after the bye.

“I don’t really care about the order they give it to us," Fangio said. “The only bad thing about that is we’ll be gone for a month in between home games for the home fans. I don’t like to be away from Mile High for that long but that’s the way it goes."

*Fangio has been an NFL coach, all his assistant, for going on his 33rd season. He’s never seen a schedule yet that affected whether a team had a good or bad year.

“At this time of the year it doesn’t matter what the league does in giving you the order of your games," he said. “A lot of times what happens is, it’s when you play the guys on other teams, meaning, who do they have out? Are they playing hot? Are they not playing hot? Are they on a streak?

“Same thing with us. Who do we have out? How are we doing? That’s more important than the order."

Here is the complete 2019 regular season schedule:

Monday, 9/9: at Oakland Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (Channel 20) Sunday, 9/15: vs Chicago Bears, 2:25 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, 9/22: at , 11 a.m. (FOX) Sunday, 9/29: vs , 2:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, 10/6: at Chargers, 2:05 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, 10/13: vs , 2:25 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, 10/17: vs Kansas City Chiefs, 6:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN) Sunday, 10/27: at , 2:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, 11/3: vs , 2:25 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 10 BYE Sunday, 11/17: at , 11 a.m. (CBS) Sunday, 11/24: at , 11 a.m. (CBS) Sunday, 12/1: vs , 2:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, 12/8: at , 11 a.m. (CBS) Sunday, 12/15: at Kansas City Chiefs, 11 a.m. (CBS) Sat. 12/21 OR Sun. 12/22: vs , TBD Sunday, 12/29: vs Oakland Raiders, 2:25 p.m. (CBS)

Denver Broncos' schedule will be no picnic in Year 1 for Vic Fangio By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com April 18, 2019

The NFL has released its 2019 regular-season schedule. Here's a look at what's in store for the Denver Broncos.

Game-by-game prediction Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold is predicting an 8-8 finish:

Sept. 9: at Oakland -- loss

Sept. 15: vs. Chicago -- win

Sept. 22: at Green Bay -- loss

Sept. 29: vs. Jacksonville -- win

Oct. 6: at Los Angeles -- loss

Oct. 13: vs. Tennessee -- win

Oct. 17: vs. Kansas City -- loss

Oct. 27: at Indianapolis -- loss

Nov. 3: vs. Cleveland -- win

Nov. 17: at Minnesota -- win

Nov. 24: at Buffalo -- win

Dec. 1: vs. Los Angeles Chargers -- loss

Dec. 8: at Houston -- loss

Dec. 15: at Kansas City -- loss

Dec. 21 or 22: vs. Detroit -- win

Dec. 29: vs. Oakland -- win

Strength of schedule: Second, .537 opponent win percentage

Breakdown The Broncos will open on the road for the first time since 2010, Josh McDaniels' second season as the team's coach. The Broncos' opener will be the late game on the opening weekend and the last game of Week 1. Overall, the Broncos are going to have to do some heavy lifting in coach Vic Fangio's first season. They have seven games against 2018 playoff teams to go with games against the revamped Browns and Raiders. Toss in a traditionally difficult trip to Lambeau Field in Week 3 to face the Packers and a December trip to Arrowhead, and the Broncos will have a tough time getting and keeping their balance if they don't exit training camp with their house in order. They do get a 50-50 sort of schedule with a Week 10 bye week to go with four road games before the bye and four after the bye.

Weather report After Wednesday's minicamp practice, Broncos linebacker Von Miller wanted to know only one thing about the Broncos' schedule: "I'm wondering when we play in Green Bay," Miller said. "... Hopefully it's not late December or something like that." Told the Broncos will play at Lambeau in Week 3 (Sept. 22), Miller said: "That's good. That's the only thing I was worried about. We're going to be in Green Bay at the beginning of the year, I'm cool with that."

Secondary is a primary concern With cornerback Jr.'s decision to not attend the team's voluntary workouts in the offseason program in hopes that he receives a contract extension, it's a good time to point out that the Broncos will face plenty in the upper tier of the quarterback rankings. They'll get league MVP Patrick Mahomes and twice in their division, plus (Week 3), Andrew Luck (Week 8), (Week 9), (Week 11), (Week 14) and (Week 16). Oh, and Antonio Brown now resides in the division with the Raiders -- Week 1 and Week 17 -- and the Broncos will face Odell Beckham Jr. when he and Mayfield come to Denver on Nov. 3.

AB's Raiders, Flacco's Broncos help kick off MNF By Kevin Seifert ESPN.com April 18, 2019

The 50th season of Monday Night Football will kick off with a Sept. 9 double-header that opens with a pair of 2018 division winners and then showcases new faces in new places.

The will host the Houston Texans in the first game (7 p.m. ET), a matchup of the defending NFC South and AFC South champions.

The Oakland Raiders will host the Denver Broncos in the regular-season debut of new Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco and new Raiders Antonio Brown and Vontaze Burfict in the second game (10:15 p.m. ET).

Among the other notable games:

In Week 2, the upstart Cleveland Browns will make the first of four prime-time appearances, on the road at the in a rematch of the first-ever Monday Night Football game on Sept. 21, 1970. The game will also mark the return of Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to MetLife Stadium, where he played five seasons for the . The Browns last won on MNF in Week 11 of the 2008 season, a 29-27 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

In Week 11, the Kansas City Chiefs will make another attempt to play in Mexico City. Their matchup there against the in 2018 was rescheduled because of poor field conditions at the city's Stadium Azteca. But the NFL has agreed to try again, and the Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

In Week 12, Monday Night Football will return to the scene of the wildest game of the 2018 season. A year after the Rams defeated the Chiefs, 54-51, the game rescheduled from Mexico City, the Rams will host the 2018 AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens.

All 12 playoff teams from 2018 will make at least one appearance on Monday Night Football in 2019.

‘It’s its own monster every year’: NFL schedule creates controlled chaos at Broncos HQ By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic April 18, 2019

Past the team cafeteria, up a flight of stairs that leads to the Broncos’ front offices and down an expansive hallway is a corner office where a logistical nightmare has unfolded.

It always does on NFL schedule release day.

The announcement of the NFL’s slate of games has become an annual spectacle, with two-hour shows on NFL Network and ESPN to capitalize on the league’s popularity. (Nevermind that each team announced its opponents long ago.)

But inside the Broncos’ Dove Valley headquarters, the burden of schedule day falls mostly on Adam Newman, the director of team logistics who is tasked with arranging their travel for the entire season.

That’s United charter flights for at least 10 road games (11 this year including the Hall of Fame game).

That’s 190 hotel rooms for regular-season games, both home and away.

That’s usually six charter buses that will carry players and coaches from the airport to their hotel to the stadium and back to the airport.

That’s police escorts that typically include five or six officers.

That’s a couple of equipment trucks.

And that’s about three weeks to try and put the whole puzzle together — a puzzle that began to take shape around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, when Newman got his first glimpse at the schedule.

“It’s kind of its own monster every year,” said Newman, who is entering his 18th season with the Broncos.

And with each city, there are often variables that make the challenge a bit more complicated.

When the Broncos head to Oakland for their season-opener in the Black Hole, they’ll face the Raiders on the second Monday night game, with an 8:20 p.m. MT start. Ever try taking a group of 100-plus through rush-hour traffic in the Bay Area?

Good luck.

“We prefer to be on that Oakland side this year because crossing the bridge in rush-hour traffic could be a little chancey that there’s an accident and you’re kind of stuck,” Newman said. “Other than that, it depends really on availability. Sometimes it’s a process of elimination. Sometimes the hotels will weed themselves out.

“We’ve gone to cities before where I’ll reach out to 10 hotels and nine have no availability. So it is what it is. Sometimes it’s our choice.”

Before the Broncos head to Minneapolis for their Week 11 game against the Vikings, Newman will likely make a trip out there to scout hotels and find one (or a few) that could fit their needs.

The Broncos’ needs are nuanced, and the details matter.

“We haven’t been in there in eight years,” he said. “It’s one thing to look at them on paper, the meeting space, but you want to see the entrance/exit. We don’t want to come through the lobby and just announce ourselves. That would not be good. We try to do the side entrances. The meeting space layout, how easy it is to access the sleeping rooms, where the back-of-house elevators or stairs — things like that.”

To avoid last-minute requests for changes, Newman and vice president of operations Chip Conway met with new coach Vic Fangio earlier in the offseason to get a sense of his travel preferences, such as when they plan to leave for East Coast games, and hotel proximity to downtowns.

They can’t go to Marriott.com and cancel three days in advance at no charge. Once the contracts are signed, the plans are typically set.

The process of arranging a season’s worth of travel for the team takes weeks. In fact, the only trip solidified as of Wednesday afternoon was the Broncos’ first preseason game, in Canton, Ohio. But the Broncos expected that trip long ago, almost as soon as owner was elected to the Hall in February.

Newman traveled to Cleveland in early March to scour hotels, so now that piece of the puzzle is done.

While Conway manages the charter flights through United, Newman is on the hook for the hotels, transportation and additional trucks needed to lug the bags of equipment. And should president/CEO , or team counsel Rich Slivka need a black car, Newman’s got that too, putting it all on the team’s books.

“I like doing it. It’s a challenge,” he said. “It’s like a big puzzle.”

Starting on the road ■ The Broncos’ season-opener at Oakland will be the team’s first opener since John Elway took over the team’s football operations on the road. The last time they traveled for Week 1, Kyle Orton (and later ) was quarterback, in 2010.

The Broncos own the NFL’s best all-time record in Week 1 (39-19-1 / .669). The game will also mark Denver’s 28th consecutive appearance on “Monday Night Football,” which is tied with the Raiders (1970-97) as the longest streak in NFL history.

“(Oakland) will be an important division game for us,” coach Vic Fangio said in a release from the team. “They have improved their team with their offseason moves up to this point and they have a bunch of draft picks here coming up. That will be a big challenge going out there.”

■ The Broncos have the second-toughest strength of schedule based on opponents’ 2018 winning percentage (.537). Only the Raiders have it worse (.539).

■ Fangio’s first home game as an NFL head coach will be against his former team. The Broncos host the Bears in Week 2, pitting a defense Fangio formed over four years against the one he’s developed for mere months.

“We know every year there seems to be a last-to-first story,” Fangio said. “We were that in Chicago last year. I suppose a lot of teams counted us as a win last year. Every season is a new season and the order they choose for us to play them in, we’ll play them in.”

■ Von Miller will like this: The Broncos play at Lambeau Field in Week 3, not in the dead of winter. The Week 3 matchup will be Denver’s second consecutive game against an NFC North opponent.

Arguably the most significant game this year for Denver will be against a familiar foe. The Broncos host the Chiefs in Week 7 on “.” The Broncos have lost their last seven meetings against Kansas City. And they’ll face them this time on only four days rest.

After their Week 10 bye, the Broncos will play four of their next five games on the road — at Minnesota, Buffalo, Houston and Kansas City.

“(To win on the road), you’ve got to be able to play good defense, especially early in the game when the home team is excited, the stadium is at a fever pitch and the noise is a factor,” Fangio said. “The defense has to hold the fort down in case the offense is struggling early. You’ve got to be able to pack your defense on the road to get that done.”

■ The Broncos close out their season against the Raiders. Denver does not have a game on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Broncos’ 2019 regular-season schedule Week 1: Mon., Sept. 9 – at Oakland Raiders, 8:20 p.m. MT (ESPN) Week 2: Sun., Sept. 15 – vs. Chicago Bears, 2:25 p.m. MT (FOX) Week 3: Sun., Sept. 22 – at Green Bay Packers, 11 a.m. MT (FOX) Week 4: Sun., Sept. 29 – vs. Jacksonville, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 5: Sun., Oct. 6 – at L.A. Chargers, 2:05 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 6: Sun., Oct. 13 – vs. Tennessee Titans, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 7: Thurs., Oct. 17 – vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 6:20 p.m. (FOX) Week 8: Sun., Oct. 27 – at Indianapolis Colts, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 9: Sun., Nov. 3 – vs. Cleveland Browns, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 10: Bye Week 11: Sun., Nov. 17 – at Minnesota Vikings, 11 a.m. MT (CBS) Week 12: Sun., Nov. 24 – at Buffalo Bills, 11 a.m. MT (CBS) Week 13: Sun., Dec. 1 – vs. L.A. Chargers, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Week 14: Sun., Dec. 8 – at Houston Texans, 11 a.m. MT (CBS) Week 15: Sun., Dec. 15 – at Kansas City Chiefs, 11 a.m. MT (CBS) Week 16: Dec. 21 or 22 – vs. Detroit Lions, time TBD Week 17: Sun., Dec. 29 – vs. Oakland Raiders, 2:25 p.m. MT (CBS) Note: All game times for Sunday games from Weeks 5 through 17 are subject to change because of the NFL flexible schedule plan.

Broncos open season at Oakland Monday night By Troy Renck KMGH April 18, 2019

The Broncos’ history suggests they should rebound like Dennis Rodman. They have not suffered three consecutive losing seasons since the dusty ol’ Cowtown years of 1963-1972. With their third coach (Vic Fangio) and fifth starting quarterback (Joe Flacco) in four years, the Broncos remain optimistic about executing a U-turn.

The climb back to relevance starts with an opening match-up against the (still for one more year) Oakland Raiders on Monday night and finishes with Denver hosting Oakland in the season finale. The Broncos fell at Oakland last season, a debacle that accelerated coach Vance Joseph’s dismissal and the decision to move on from quarterback Case Keenum. New Raiders linebacker Brandon Marshall smiled when he learned of the Sept. 9 game.

“Can’t wait! (Bart Scott voice),” Marshall texted Denver7 on Wednesday.

A Fangio family and friends reunion follows in Week 2 as the Broncos host the Bears. Fangio turned the Bears into the NFL’s top-ranked defense last season before accepting his first head coaching job with Denver. The Broncos finished 3-5 at home a year ago. Anything shy of five wins will prevent Denver’s first return to the playoffs since winning 50.

History beckons in Week 3. The Broncos travel to Green Bay for a critical early-season match-up. The Broncos have never won at Green Bay in six meetings, but did topple the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII.

“I just didn’t want Green Bay later in the season,” joked All-Pro linebacker Von Miller of avoiding the cold.

A marquee match-up that could determine if the Broncos’ makeover features a solid foundation arrives in Week 7. The Broncos host the Chiefs on Thursday night. The Chiefs and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes swept the Broncos last season.

The Broncos receive a favorable bye in Week 10. It offers a welcome break given injuries and the rigors of the season. However, it represents a lengthy wait for a team that will begin training camp roughly on July 18.

The schedule then becomes a potential dreamcrusher. The Broncos follow the rest with four of their next five games on the road sandwiched around a Week 13 home date against the Chargers. It includes a match-up in Minnesota vs. old friend and Vikings assistant Gary Kubiak. Denver finishes at Broncos Stadium at Mile High with the Lions, and the the return of running back C.J. Anderson, and the Raiders.

BRONCOS 2019 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Week 1 Sept. 9 Broncos at Raiders (Monday Night Football), 8:20 p.m., ESPN Week 2 Sept. 15 Bears at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., FOX Week 3 Sept. 22 Broncos at Packers, 11 a.m., FOX Week 4 Sept. 29 Jaguars at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS Week 5 Oct. 6 Broncos at Chargers, 2:05 p.m., CBS Week 6 Oct. 13 Titans at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS Week 7 Oct. 17 Chiefs at Broncos (Thursday Night Football), 6:20 p.m., FOX/NFLN Week 8 Oct. 27 Broncos at Colts, 2:25 p.m., CBS Week 9 Nov. 3 Browns at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS Week 10 Bye Week 11Nov. 17 Broncos at Vikings, 11 a.m., CBS Week 12 Nov. 24 Broncos at Bills, 11 a.m., CBS Week 13 Dec. 1 Chargers at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS Week 14 Dec. 8 Broncos at Texans, 11 a.m., CBS Week 15 Dec. 15 Broncos at Chiefs, 11 a.m., CBS Week 16 Dec. 21 or 22 Lions at Broncos, TBD Week 17 Dec. 29 Raiders at Broncos, 2:25 p.m., CBS

BRONCOS 2019 PRESEASON SCHEDULE Vs. Falcons, Aug. 1, 6 p.m. At Seahawks, Aug 8-12 (date TBA) Vs. 49ers, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. At Rams, Aug. 22-25 (date TBA) Vs. Cardinals, Aug. 29

Broncos' 2019 regular-season schedule released By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 18, 2019

For the first time since 2010, the Broncos will open their season on the road.

Denver, playing in the final game of Week 1, will face the Oakland Raiders on the road on “Monday Night Football.”

That Sept. 9 contest and the rest of the Broncos’ 2019 schedule was revealed Wednesday evening by the NFL.

The Broncos follow their opener with a Week 2 home game against Head Coach Vic Fangio’s former team, the Chicago Bears. Denver has started each of the last six seasons with a 2-0 record, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

The Broncos then travel to Green Bay in Week 3, return home to play Jacksonville in Week 4, visit the Chargers in Week 5 and host the Titans in Week 6.

Denver’s only other scheduled prime-time game will occur in Week 7 when the Broncos host the Chiefs on “Thursday Night Football.” All “Sunday Night Football” games from Weeks 5-16, though, are subject to change. The NFL will set the Week 17 Sunday night game ahead of the season’s final week.

The Broncos have not beaten the Chiefs since a Week 2 “Thursday Night Football” matchup in 2015.

Ahead of a Week 10 bye, the Broncos will travel to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 and then welcome the Cleveland Browns to Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Browns beat the Broncos in a one-point game last season that eliminated Denver from playoff contention.

When the Broncos return from their bye week, they’ll face a road-heavy slate to begin the latter part of the season. Four of the Broncos’ first five games after the bye will be on the road as they travel to Minnesota (Week 11), Buffalo (Week 12), Houston (Week 14) and Kansas City (Week 15).

The Broncos faced a similar test last season after the bye when they played four out of their next six on the road. Denver won the first three of those games before falling in the next three as injuries piled up.

This year’s stretch of road games will be broken up by a Week 13 home game against the Chargers, whom the Broncos went 1-1 against in 2018.

Denver then concludes the 2019 regular season with a pair of home games. The Broncos will host the Lions in Week 16 at a date and time that will be determined following Week 8.

The Broncos will finish the regular season against Oakland. Denver split the 2018 season series against the Raiders, falling on the road while winning at home.

Four of the five Broncos' preseason games also have set times. The Broncos will play the Falcons in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 1 on NBC at 6 p.m. MT. They'll travel to Seattle on Aug. 8 for a 7 p.m. PT kickoff and return home for a Aug. 19 game against the 49ers at 6 p.m. MT. The Broncos' game against the Los Angeles Rams does not yet have a date. Denver's preseason finale against Arizona will be Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. MT.

The five most-intriguing games on the Broncos' 2019 schedule By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 18, 2019

It’s difficult to project at this point in the year how games will play out this fall. The NFL Draft hasn’t yet happened, and we’re still months away from training camp.

We won’t truly know for months which games will impact the playoff race and which ones will fade from memory after a few years.

But that won’t stop us from trying to guess which games will define this season. Here, then, is a look at the five most-intriguing games of the Broncos’ 2019 slate.

5. Week 11, at Vikings This game features big-name quarterbacks — Joe Flacco and Kirk Cousins — and a Broncos connection, as former head coach Gary Kubiak now coaches for the Vikings. But more than that, it represents the start of a daunting road stretch that could define the Broncos’ season. Starting with the Vikings in Week 11, the Broncos will play four out of their first five games after the bye on the road. That includes trips to Buffalo, Houston and Kansas City, with a home game against the Chargers sandwiched in between trips to Buffalo and Houston. If the Broncos can survive the month out on the road — perhaps by finishing 2-2 or 3-1 — they should be in good position to make the playoffs. But those stretches are never easy. In 2017, the Broncos faced a three-game road swing and lost all three. A game in Minneapolis could provide an early indication of whether the Broncos can make more of the opportunity this season.

4. Week 1, at Raiders The good news is, Broncos fans get to see their team play in a nationally televised game against one of the franchise's biggest rivals. The bad news is, they're going to have to wait quite a while. As the second game of a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, the Broncos and Raiders will be the last two teams to kick off in 2019. Since the Broncos are playing in the Hall of Fame game and will begin training camp early, that means Denver fans will have the longest amount of time to wait between when camp begins and that first regular-season game arrives. But if you can make it, the game should be quite the reward. In what could be the Broncos’ final trip to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, they’ll see a Raiders team that now features wide receiver Antonio Brown — and also a former Bronco in linebacker Brandon Marshall. With three first-round picks in next week’s NFL Draft, the Raiders could still add plenty of more talent, so their team could look much different than the group that finished last year at 4-12. That should make the final game of Week 1 an exciting one — and one that could set the tone for the season.

3. Week 9, vs. Browns Last season’s game against the Browns ended in heartbreak and ended the Broncos’ postseason chances. After a late fourth-down stop, the Broncos had one last chance to score and salvage their playoff aspirations. But Denver couldn’t get close enough for a field-goal attempt and they fell 17-16 to a team that made some noise late in the year behind quarterback Baker Mayfield. After this offseason, that buzz is only louder. The Browns added former Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their roster and now have a unit that is loaded with talent. Mayfield, Beckham, Jarvis Landry, , Nick Chubb and David Njoku can all cause problems for a defense. Add those players to a defense that includes Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon and Denzel Ward, and it makes some sense why the Browns are among the teams expected to contend in the AFC. So while this isn’t a divisional game and doesn’t feature the same connections as some other contests might, it’s as good a measuring stick as any for how the Broncos stack up across the league.

2. Week 2, vs. Bears

The Vic Fangio game. Wherever it showed up on the schedule, it was going to be circled by Bears fans and Broncos fans alike. But the Week 2 setting means it also offers the Broncos a chance to set the tone for the season. The Bears won the NFC North in 2018 and boasted the best defense in football. If not for a late field-goal attempt that clanked off the post, the Bears would’ve advanced in the playoffs and may have had a shot at a Super Bowl appearance. And while the storylines for this game will likely revolve around Khalil Mack and the defense that Fangio left behind, head coach knows how to direct an offense. He and quarterback will aim to get the best of Fangio’s defensive system, which they should both know well. History suggests the Broncos should have a good chance of coming away with a win. Since 2001, when the Broncos’ new stadium opened, Denver has earned a 21-1 record at home in Week 1 and Week 2. And a win in Fangio’s first home game would be quite the way to welcome the Broncos’ new head coach to Denver.

1. Week 7, vs. Chiefs To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. And right now, it’s hard to dispute that the Chiefs sit atop the AFC West. Kansas City has won the division in three consecutive seasons and came within a few plays of the Super Bowl in 2018. Behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 50 touchdowns last year, the Chiefs boasted one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. And though they lost a few defensive pieces this offseason, including and Dee Ford, they also added big-name players like Tyrann Mathieu. If the Broncos are going to challenge for the AFC West, they’ll likely need to at least split their pair of games next year against Kansas City. Last year, in a “Monday Night Football” game at home, the Broncos came within a last-minute overthrow of doing just that. In this “Thursday Night Football” game at home, the Broncos will be able to catch the Chiefs on short rest in a setting that tends to favor the home team. In 2018, home teams were 11-3 on “Thursday Night Football,” excluding games that were branded as “Thursday Night Football” but played on Saturday. Could this be the game in which the Broncos snap a seven-game skid against Kansas City?

Honorable mentions: Week 3, at Packers There may be no field in professional football as famous as Lambeau Field. The 81,000-seat stadium has served as the Packers’ home stadium for more than 60 years, and the Broncos will return in Week 3 for the first time since 2011. Denver fans likely remember their team’s last game against the Packers with fond memories. In a “Sunday Night Football” matchup in 2015, the Broncos dominated the previously undefeated Packers in a 29-10 victory. Wearing their jerseys, the Broncos showed the country the type of team they could be at their best. The Week 8 game was a major moment during the team’s season. Lambeau Field, though, hasn’t been as kind to the Broncos. Denver is 0-4 in Green Bay, including a 49-23 loss the last time the two franchises met at Lambeau Field. The Broncos, however, hold the 1-0 edge in Super Bowls. John Elway and the Broncos, of course, beat the Packers in 1997 to earn the franchise’s first world championship.

Week 8, at Colts This matchup doesn’t have quite the same allure as it did when former quarterback Peyton Manning would take the field against his former team. Over the last several years, though, it’s still provided several of the Broncos’ best highlights. In 2016, Von Miller finished off the Colts with a devastating dip move to get past the Colts’ right tackle. He pulled the ball away from Colts QB Andrew Luck, and Shane Ray scooped up the ball for a touchdown and a two-touchdown lead. A year later, the Broncos beat the Colts in a “Thursday Night Football” contest on the road. This year’s version of the Colts, however, may be a tougher test. The Colts bounced back from a 1-5 start last season to make the playoffs and advance to the divisional round. They’ll look to take another step in 2019 led by Luck and All-Pros Darius Leonard and Quenton Nelson. On a difficult schedule, this could be as tough as a test as the Broncos see all season.

Week 13, vs. Chargers Between a Week 9 game against the Browns and a Week 16 game against the Lions, the Broncos will play just once in front of their home crowd. That’s a span of either 48 or 49 days, depending on if the Broncos face Detroit on Saturday or Sunday. The one game that will split up that long trip away from Broncos Stadium at Mile High is a Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. And with as challenging a road slate as the Broncos will face during that stretch, it will likely be critical for the Broncos to get a win in their lone opportunity at home. The Broncos, who split the season series against the Chargers in 2018, had won their last five home games against the Chargers before a loss last year.

Von Miller gives John Elway advice on who the Broncos should draft in the first round By Zac Stevens BSN Denver April 18, 2019

Von Miller is paid the big bucks to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t give some advice to his quarterback boss who is paid the big bucks to evaluate the draft. And that’s just what No. 58 did on Wednesday, eight days before the first round of the NFL draft, when asked who he wants John Elway to draft for his team.

“For me, I like all the guys that everybody likes. I like Devin White. I like Haskins. I like Dwayne Haskins. He was in here, I got to spend some time with him, talk to him. I like Quinnen Williams,” Von said, laying out his big board for the world to see. “Those are the guys that I can see.”

After posting a video of himself celebrating the team selecting in the first round last year, there wasn’t much doubt that Denver’s star player followed the draft intently.

“I played with great insider linebackers. I played with great D-tackles, and I know quarterbacks, too. Those three guys would have to be my pick,” Miller said, not mincing his words.

But what if the stars align and all three top-10 players are available when the Broncos are on the clock?

Haskins, Dwayne Haskins would be the man Miller would write on the card for Roger Goodell to read on national television.

“If he’s there whenever we pick, my pick is to pick him,” Miller said, giving his scouting advice to Elway. “I spent some time with him. He’s a pretty cool dude. I like him a lot.”

In fact, Von and Dwayne got to spend some time together when Haskins had his official pre-draft visit with the Broncos just two weeks before the draft.

Instead of going business casual to Denver’s headquarters, Haskins opted for an orange No. 7 John Elway Broncos jersey. With some sizzle.

“It was cool. It was kind of like—it had like snakeskin on there, python. It was orange python,” Von said, painting a picture of an extravagant jersey. “These young guys, their swag, it’s dope.”

The idea of drafting a rookie quarterback doesn’t always sound the most appealing to veteran players in their prime trying to win now, however. Von’s experience firsthand why he doesn’t buy into that theory.

“Rookie quarterbacks recently have been pretty good,” he said, raising a fair point. “If you look at Patrick Mahomes and some of the success he had—you just got to be yourself. What got you to this point is going to take you to the next level.”

But what about Joe? Joe Flacco, his new quarterback. His new quarterback that is entering the prime of his career, according to Elway, and was vocal about thinking the team would be better off going in a different direction.

“Don’t take a quarterback at 10 then,” Von said with a laugh.

“If Quinnen Williams is there, you can never go wrong. Those guys, in my opinion, are the easiest to judge. Big D-tackles are game changers. My opinion is just get the best available, whoever that is. We’re in a position to do that. We got players at every position. So get the best available and just ride with that. That’s my opinion. But we got championship leadership here, and they are going to send us in the right direction.”

Of course, after the draft, Von Miller will be publicly elated with whoever Denver lands in the first round, but deep down inside, however, the championship leadership has three options on the table.

“I’m not running the show. Whoever we get, I’m okay with. I just want to get the best available, and if we do that, I’m good.”

On April 25, Von and the rest of the world will find out if Elway agrees.

Bears travel to Denver to face Vic Fangio, Broncos in Week Two By Curtis Crabtree Pro Football Talk April 18, 2019

The Chicago Bears won’t have to wait long to see their former defensive coordinator on an opposing sideline.

The Bears will face Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos in Week Two of the season as Chicago travels to Fangio’s new home town.

The Bears at Broncos matchup will be one of three late-afternoon games on the week’s slate.

Fangio became the Bears defensive coordinator in 2015 under head coach John Fox and then remained in the position last season after Matt Nagy was brought on to replace Fox. It’s Fangio first chance to be an NFL head coach after serving every year since 1986, except 2010 (Stanford), as a defensive assistant in the NFL.

Chicago’s defense ranked as the league’s best last season in points allowed and third in total defense under Fangio.

Broncos, 49ers will hold joint practices By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk April 18, 2019

The Broncos and 49ers plan to hold joint practices leading up to their preseason game, Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News reports.

The teams play Monday night, Aug. 19, in Denver.

Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello spent the past two years as the 49ers’ quarterbacks coach under Kyle Shanahan.

Most teams seek joint practices with at least one team early in the preseason, and some have joint practices with two teams.

The 49ers and Broncos are not scheduled to play during the regular season.

Pre-Christmas Saturday triple header has TBD opponents By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 18, 2019

In Week 16, the NFL will stage a special pre-Christmas Saturday triple header. And none of the games have been selected for that spot, yet.

Five Week 16 games have been earmarked for those three spots, to begin at 1:00 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. ET, and 8:15 p.m. ET: Lions at Broncos, Raiders at Chargers, Bills at Patriots, Rams at 49ers, and Texans at Buccaneers.

Two will stay on Sunday, three will move to Saturday. And if that’s something the NFL can do, why can’t the NFL flex late-season games from Sunday to Saturday, why can’t the NFL flex late-season games from Sunday to Monday?

Maybe that will be something that gets added to the next wave of TV deals.

Report: Broncos-Raiders will be on Monday night in Week One By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk April 18, 2019

Raiders linebacker Brandon Marshall won’t have to wait long to catch up with his former teammates on the Broncos.

Mike Klis of KUSA reports that the Raiders will host the Broncos in one of the two Monday Night Football games being played in Week One of the regular season. The entire schedule will be announced at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.

It will be the second straight year that the Raiders open the season at home on a Monday night. They’ll be looking for a better outcome than they got when the Rams visited them last September as they lost 33-13 on their way to a 4-12 record.

That game was the first in ’s second stint as Raiders head coach and this year’s game will be Vic Fangio’s debut in that job for the Broncos. It should also be quarterback Joe Flacco‘s first start for Denver and first start in Oakland since Week Five of the 2017 season.