The Denver Broncos will eventually be led by QB Tim Tebow, but if and when that actually happens during his rookie year will play a large role in defining their season.  The Broncos folded after a surprising 6-0 start a year ago behind QB Kyle Orton, who was traded for the disgruntled Jay Cutler.  However, Orton showed he is nowhere near the level of a Pro Bowler as Denver dropped eight of 10 games to finish a roller-coaster season for first-year head coach Josh McDaniels.  Orton is expected to be the starter for the season opener, but how long he stays in that position remains to be seen with Tebow and Brady Quinn waiting in the wings.

Odds to win AFC West Division: +600

Odds to win the AFC Conference: 25/1

Denver Broncos Odds to win Super Bowl XLV: 50/1

Regular Season Wins Total Line: 7.5

*all odds quoted from Bodog*

Following is a breakdown of this season’s schedule for the Broncos:

Week 1             Sunday, September 12, 2010    @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Analysis: Jacksonville was rumored to be the top destination for former Florida QB Tim Tebow before the NFL Draft, and you have to wonder how much McDaniels will get his prized rookie involved in the season opener.

Week 2             Sunday, September 19, 2010    vs. Seattle Seahawks

Analysis: The Seahawks will be coming off their season opener at home against divisional rival San Francisco.

Week 3             Sunday, September 26, 2010    vs. Indianapolis Colts

Analysis: The Colts will be playing their third road game in four weeks at Denver to start the season.

Week 4             Sunday, October 3, 2010          @ Tennessee Titans

Analysis: Denver plays the first of consecutive road games against AFC North opponents while Tennessee hosts the Broncos in between a string of three road games in four weeks.

Week 5             Sunday, October 10, 2010         @ Baltimore Ravens

Analysis: The Ravens will be back home after playing three road games in the first four weeks of the season and coming off a physical matchup at division rival Pittsburgh.

Week 6             Sunday, October 17, 2010         vs. New York Jets

Analysis: The Jets head into their bye week after visiting Denver, their third road game in four weeks following a home game against Minnesota.

Week 7             Sunday October 24, 2010          vs. Oakland Raiders

Analysis: The Raiders will be coming off a visit to Bay Area rival San Francisco while the Broncos face the 49ers in London the following week.

Week 8             Sunday, October 31, 2010         @ San Francisco 49ers (London)

Analysis: Both teams enjoy a bye in Week 9 and will want to finish the first half of their seasons on a positive note even though only one can.

Week 9             — BYE WEEK —

Week 10           Sunday, November 14, 2010     vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: The Broncos host AFC foe Kansas City in the first of two meetings over the next month.

Week 11           Monday, November 22, 2010     @ San Diego Chargers

Analysis: Denver visits San Diego in their only Monday Night Football appearance of the season and looks to duplicate a 34-23 victory there from a year ago.

Week 12           Sunday, November 28, 2010     vs. St. Louis Rams

Analysis: The Broncos host the Rams before playing on the road the next three weeks.

Week 13           Sunday, December 5, 2010       @ Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: These teams split two meetings last season with the winner scoring 44 points both times.

Week 14           Sunday, December 12, 2010     @ Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: The Cardinals complete a three-game homestand by hosting Denver before playing two of their last three on the road to finish the season.

Week 15           Sunday, December 19, 2010     @ Oakland Raiders

Analysis: The Raiders return home after playing three of four on the road, including back-to-back games at San Diego and Jacksonville.

Week 16           Sunday, December 26, 2010     vs. Houston Texans

Analysis: Former Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak leads the Texans into town in what could be a make-or-break season for him if he fails to make the playoffs again.

Week 17           Sunday, January 2, 2011          vs. San Diego Chargers

Analysis: The Chargers had already locked up a playoff spot by this time last year, so the Broncos might have the opportunity to finish the season strong with a victory in a game that could mean little to San Diego.