Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Last season the major television networks were clamoring to get Denver Broncos and the ratings machine known as Tim Tebow in the most opportune NFL viewing slots. That thinking hasn’t let up in advance of the 2012 NFL season with Peyton Manning replacing Tebow as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.

The Broncos already have been notified there’s “a strong chance” their first regular-season game with Manning will be slotted to be shown on NBC’s Sunday Night Football in Week 1, the Denver Post reports.

Among the high-profile candidates to play the Broncos on Sept. 9, the Pittsburgh Steelers — whom Denver defeated in overtime in a wild-card game with Tebow — are the best bet to be the Sunday night opponent, the Post suggests. The Broncos were home against the Steelers in the playoffs, and the rematch would be in Denver.

Two other marquee Broncos opponents for 2012, the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, are longer shots to open against Manning.

Although Manning versus Tom Brady would be a throwback to the great quarterback rivalry when Manning was with the Indianapolis Colts, the fact that game is scheduled to be played in New England is a drawback.

The Broncos will play host to Manning’s hometown Saints this season, but it’s unlikely the league will give the Saints such a prestigious prime-time debut in the wake of the organization’s bounty scandal.

The 2012 NFL opener will be aired on Wednesday night, Sept. 5, when Peyton’s brother Eli Manning and the New York Giants play host to the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium — a midweek tradition the league and NBC have established for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
WRITTEN BY Vinnie Iyer & FULL STORY HERE