Denver gets to play Oakland, San Diego and Kansas City twice. That contributes to this team playing a schedule that on paper projects to be the 6th-easiest in the last 10 years.

There is a correlation between an easy schedule and increased offensive production. I've looked into that, and determined that if you're playing an easy schedule, it tends to result in about an extra 10 percent production.

I can't guarantee Denver will play an easy schedule. Maybe Kansas City, Oakland and San Diego will be a lot better this year, and Denver's schedule will wind up being only above-average, rather than really good. Historically, it's rare for the team with the easiest schedule in August to wind up playing the No. 1 easiest schedule.

But Denver's schedule appears to be good. When compared to the easiest schedules we've seen in the last 10 years, it comes in at No. 6. (There are preseason figures for all teams -- how teams PROJECTED to perform).

EASIEST SCHEDULES, 2004-13
YearWinLossTiePct
2008New England991570.387
2009Chicago1051492.414
2009Minnesota1071481.420
2008San Diego1081480.422
2009Green Bay1091461.428
2013Denver1101460.430
2009Pittsburgh1101442.434
2009Baltimore1111432.438
2008Oakland1121440.438
2011Arizona1131430.441
2009Arizona1131430.441
2009San Francisco1131421.443
2010Arizona1141420.445
2008Denver1141420.445
2006Chicago1141420.445
2005St. Louis1141420.445
2010St. Louis1151410.449
2009Cleveland1141402.449
2008Buffalo1151410.449
2008New Orleans1151410.449
2006Green Bay1151410.449
2005Arizona1151410.449
2012New England1161400.453
2010San Diego1161400.453
2010Seattle1161400.453
2008Kansas City1161400.453
2005Philadelphia1161400.453

--Ian Allan