1. An “easy” schedule? Let’s elaborate …

By 2012 winning percentages, the Broncos have the easiest schedule. That’s because the Broncos are in the division with the worst collective record in 2012 (26-38) — and, of course, aren’t boosted by playing themselves, so their division foes were a combined 13-35 — and the AFC West is partnered for inter-division play with two of the three other divisions that finished below .500 last year (AFC South, NFC East). In 2014, the Broncos are paired with the AFC East and NFC West, so don’t expect any “easy” headlines when next year’s slate is revealed.

2. Young QBs, coveted QBs.

Denver will have its hands full in Weeks 7 and 8, facing the top two picks in the 2012 draft in consecutive weeks — Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck and Washington’s Robert Griffin III. Luck and the Colts are also one of five opponents who are slated to start a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback against the Broncos; Denver also faces the Giants’ Eli Manning (2004) in Week 2, Philadelphia’s Michael Vick (2004) in Week 4 and Kansas City’s Alex Smith (2005) in Weeks 11 and 13.

With Baltimore’s Week 15 win against the New York Giants, the Ravens clinched the AFC North Division title, which means the Broncos’ 2013 opponents have been finalized.

Denver’s 2013 schedule includes games against the other three teams in the AFC West, all four teams in the AFC South, all four teams in the NFC East, a home game versus the AFC North champion — Baltimore — and a road game at the AFC East champion — New England.

That means plenty of rematches from the 2012 slate next year. In addition to the six games against the AFC West — in which the Broncos have gone 5-0 so far — the Broncos lost to the Patriots in New England this season in Week 5 and defeated the Ravens in Baltimore in Week 15.

Next year’s campaign features five 2012 playoff teams — Houston, New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis and the winner of the NFC East (Washington, Dallas or New York).

The actual schedule should be released by the NFL in April.

With the Broncos clinching the AFC West and the Patriots doing the same in the AFC East on Sunday, another opponent on Denver’s 2013 schedule is set.

The Broncos will travel to New England once again next season to play the Patriots since both teams finished atop their divisions in 2012. It will mark the third straight year that the two teams have met in the regular season and the fifth regular-season meeting in the past six seasons.

Denver’s 2013 schedule includes games against the other three teams in the AFC West, all four teams in the AFC South, all four teams in the NFC East, a home game versus the still-undecided winner of the AFC North and a road game at the AFC East champion, which has now been determined to be the Patriots.