Despite having the toughest schedule for the 2017 season, Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com is confident the Denver Broncos could be a contender in the AFC West. Mason joined Ryan Edwards and Danny Williams of Mile High Sports Radio to discuss the Broncos’ upcoming season.

With five prime-time games and some tough road matchups, the Broncos definitely have a full plate. Despite this, Mason believes they could improve upon their mediocre 9-7 record from last season.

“I could see nine to 10 wins,” Mason said.

The Broncos, along with the entire AFC West, will play all four NFC East teams: the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Redskins. Both the AFC West and NFC East have been in the argument for the best division in the NFL. Although this is a daunting task for the Broncos, it will also be equally as grueling for their AFC West counterparts, which may end up helping them in their pursuit of a divisional title.

“That’s going to hold down the records in the AFC West I think, to the point where 10-6 may actually win you the division because the schedules are going to be so tough.” Mason stated in regards to NFC East teams playing AFC West teams.

Regardless of who they’re playing, Mason also feels the Broncos can’t find themselves in a slump early on. With a three-game road trip in the middle of the season, they wouldn’t want to find themselves heading into that road trip feeling the need to absolutely win all three games.

“They have got to get off to a fast start. You’ve got half of your home schedule in the first five games.” said Mason. “You’ve got to go, I think, at least 4-1 in those first five because then you have the three consecutive games on the road.”

Listen to the full interview with Andrew Mason, including his thoughts on the 2017 NFL Draft, in the podcast below.

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Catch Ryan Edwards and Danny Williams every weekday from 9a-11a on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.