While the complete 2011 NFL schedule won't be revealed until Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m. MT, portions of the schedule are leaking early. According to a report from CSN Bay Area (via MaxBroncos), the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders will open up the season on Sept. 12 with a Monday Night Football in Denver. The NFL and the players will need to settle their labor dispute first before anyone can really get excited about this Opening Week matchup.
In 2010, Tim Tebow made his first career start against the Raiders on the road on Dec. 19. He went 8-of-16 for 138 yards and a touchdown pass. He also racked up 78 rushing yards, including a 40-yard run, and a touchdown. But the Broncos lost the game, 39-23.
However, the Broncos' Oct. 24 loss at home to the Raiders will likely be a huge motivation for the team. The Raiders humiliated the Broncos in a 59-14 loss.
This is the 20th straight year the Broncos will have a game on Monday Night Football. They will also have a Thursday night game in November with the New York Jets.