The Denver Broncos and new starting quarterback Peyton Manning are ready for prime time. The Broncos have five appearances in the NFL’s showcase night games scheduled for the 2012 season, beginning with their season opener at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, September 9. Denver’s other scheduled Sunday Night Football game is in Week 8, a home game against the New Orleans Saints on October 28. The Broncos are booked twice for Monday Night Football – a week 2 visit to the Atlanta Falcons on September 17, and a road trip in Week 6 to play the San Diego Chargers on October 15. Denver’s trip to Oakland in Week 14 will be a Thursday Night Football game on the NFL Network on December 6. The Broncos 2012 schedule is the second toughest in the NFL, based upon opponent’s winning percentage from last year.

(All times Central)

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, Pittsburgh, 7:20 PM
Week 2: Monday, Sept. 17, at Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, Houston, 3:15 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, Oakland, 3:05 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, at New England, 3:15 PM
Week 6: Monday, Oct. 15, at San Diego, 7:30 PM
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, New Orleans, 7:20 PM
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 4, at Cincinnati, 12:00 PM
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 11, at Carolina, 12:00 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, San Diego, 3:15 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 25, at Kansas City, 12:00 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, Tampa Bay, 3:05 PM
Week 14: Thursday, Dec. 6, at Oakland, 7:20 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, at Baltimore, 12:00 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, Cleveland, 3:05 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, Kansas City, 3:15 PM