Last week’s events undoubtedly threw a monkey wrench into the gears of the schedule machine over which Howard Katz presides. And the arrival of Peyton Manning in Denver already has adjusted the league’s plans for 2012.
Apparently. Reportedly.
According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, there’s a “strong chance” the Broncos will appear in prime time on the first Sunday night of the season. The game, televised by NBC, would be a fitting bookend to the season-opening game on NBC, which will feature the Giants and Peyton’s younger brother, Eli Manning.
It’s part of a generally increased interest in the Broncos, thanks to Peyton’s presence. “Our fans should get ready for more night games,” Broncos president Joe Ellis told Klis. “Home and road.”
Candidates for football under the lights include home games against the Steelers, Texans, and Saints and road games against the Ravens, Falcons, and Patriots.
The real showdown comes in 2013, when under the current scheduling formula the Manning brothers get together in New York, with the Giants hosting the Broncos.
