Broncos' 4 Toughest Non-AFC West Opponents in 2023 Revealed

The NFL will release the much-anticipated schedule for the 2023 season on Thursday at 6 pm MDT. Broncos Country is excited for all the juicy matchups this season, especially with Sean Payton leading the charge and giving the Denver Broncos a new drive and attitude.

Winning the AFC West crown is a big ask, especially since the Kansas City Chiefs look as dominant as ever. It’s also important to focus on the opponents outside the division, as Denver will face some formidable teams across the NFL.

Here are the Broncos' non-AFC West opponents to watch for in 2023.

New York Jets

Before the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Jets still managed to win seven games. New York's defense shined the brightest, allowing the fourth-fewest points in the league last season.

However, the Jets’ offense only scored 17.4 points a game which was the fourth worst. Add a future Hall-of-Fame Aaron Rodgers to the fold, and New York could be a title contender.

Rodgers will have familiarity with wideouts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, but will also have some fun new toys in reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and the speedy ex-Chief Mecole Hardman. While Nathaniel Hackett was a bust in Denver, he is very familiar with working with Rodgers and should get the Jets' offense moving early. Pairing that with a top-five defense makes the Jets a favorite in the AFC.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills won the AFC East in 2022 with a 13-3 record. Josh Allen had another stellar year throwing for 4,283 yards and 35 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. Dual-threat quarterbacks have been quite the challenge for Denver over the years, and going from Ejiro Evero to Vance Joseph is undoubtedly a downgrade.

The Bills boasted a top-10 rushing attack with 2,232 yards, mainly from Devin Singletary. As for their defense, the Bills also ranked at the top, landing at No. 6 overall. With playmakers in the secondary like Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde, Buffalo will put a strain on any passing attack that opposes them.

Von Miller will also be extra motivated to conquer his former team after passing on him in free agency for *checks notes* sigh… Randy Gregory.

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Miami Dolphins

Under the leadership of head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have become very dangerous on offense. In only his first year, McDaniel willed Miami to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with three different quarterbacks.

Regardless of whether Tua Tagovailoa is healthy, the pieces around the quarterback elevate the man under center. The Dolphins have a track team disguised as a wide receiver core. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Chosen Anderson all have 4.3 speed allowing them to separate from a defender in a flash.

While Miamis’ run game wasn’t terribly effective last year, Raheem Mostert and rookie Devon Achane possess 4.3 speed, just like their wideouts. One missed tackle could spell doom for Denver's defense.

Former Broncos head coach Vic Fangio will run the Dolphins' defense. Fangio is one of the best defensive minds in football and will have the star power of Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, and Jevon Holland in his secondary. Fangio will be able to get the most out of his defensive line with Jaelan Phillips, Christian Wilkins, and Bradley Chubb at his disposal.

Minnesota Vikings

Another first-time head coach Kevin O’Connell led his team to a division title and a 13-4 record last year. Like McDaniel, O'Connell is a young offensive mind that gets the most out of his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and the Vikings.

Under O’Connell, Cousins threw for the second most passing yards in his career, finishing with 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns. Minnesota has had a robust receiving corps for a while now, and this year will be no different. Arguably the best young pass-catcher Justin Jefferson has a new partner in crime in Jordan Addison, whose speed and agility make him an excellent route runner.

Assuming Dalvin Cook isn’t traded, he is a force in the running game with his elusive speed and homerun ability. The Vikings’ defense was one of the worst in football last year. However, new defensive coordinator Brian Flores should be able to turn them around. Hopefully, Denver can play Kirk in a primetime slot, as he seems to fall short under the brightest lights.

The Takeaway

The Broncos have some stiff competition outside the AFC West this coming season. While opponents are the top priority in the division, they must recognize the teams highlighted above if they wish to push for an AFC West crown.

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