This probably won't come as a surprise, but get ready to see a whole lot of Peyton Manning in prime time next season.
The Denver Post reported on Tuesday that the Broncos have received word there is a "strong chance" they will open up "Sunday Night Football" in Week 1 on Sept. 9.
"Our fans should get ready for more night games," Broncos president Joe Ellis said. "Home and road."
But back to Week 1. The NFL schedule has yet to be released, but each team knows who their opponents will be. Here's our list of most desirable Week 1 showdowns for Peyton & Co.
1. New England Patriots: Brady vs. Manning? What else needs to be said? The greatest rivalry of the 2000s resumes at Foxboro after a hiatus that will make the wait for "Mad Men" seem tolerable. Cris Collinsworth is already dizzy thinking about it.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Broncos -- led by Tim Tebow -- bounced the Steelers out of the playoffs in January. Now Pittsburgh returns to Sports Authority Field at Mile High looking for payback. This one seems destined to come down to the final possession.
3. Oakland Raiders: In Manning's first game as a member of the AFC West, why not send him to the Black Hole to face the Broncos' biggest rival at a time of the season when the Raiders typically peak?
4. New Orleans Saints: The league might not want to showcase the "bounty"-tainted Saints in Week 1, but Manning seeking revenge against the hometown team that kept him from his second Super Bowl ring? Yes please.
5. Cleveland Browns: If the league wanted to turn Week 1 into a Manning coronation, ship in the Browns for a pasting. As a bonus, John Elway will welcome the opportunity to inflict more emotional damage on the city of Cleveland. Everybody wins, well, except the poor Browns.
