After 16 games, it all comes down to this.
With a win on Sunday, the Denver Broncos can end their eight-season drought of not making the AFC playoffs. The two previous opportunities for Denver (9-7) didn’t go as planned, but that matters not with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The good news for the Broncos is that Kansas City (15-1) plans to rest Patrick Mahomes and the majority of its starters for Sunday’s game. Hence why Denver is the -10.5-point home favorite on the spread.
In addition to getting into the playoffs, the Broncos can reach double-digit wins for the first time since 2015.
Offensive Rankings
Kansas City: Thirteenth in total offense (342.0 yards per game), 16th in rushing offense (110.2 YPG), 10th in passing offense (231.8 YPG), 11th in scoring (24.1 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-second in total offense (314.9 yards per game), 17th in rushing offense (109.4 YPG), 22nd in passing offense (205.6 YPG), 10th in scoring (24.2 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Kansas City: Fourth in total defense (310.8 yards per game), fourth in rushing defense (98.3 YPG), 14th in passing defense (212.4 YPG), second in scoring (18.0 points per game).
Denver: Fifteenth in total defense (330.8 yards per game), eighth in rushing defense (100.8 YPG), 25th in passing defense (230.1 YPG), fifth in scoring (19.4 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.
Play to win the game
After a miraculous touchdown at the end of regulation against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sean Payton played for the tie (to lose). Instead of trusting his players to get the 2-point conversion and the win, he kicked the extra point. Right on cue, that was followed by two offensive possessions in overtime that ended in punts, and the Broncos still lost the game. That kind of approach will result in the same outcome this Sunday, even with the Chiefs starters not playing. Come into this game thinking Mahomes and Co. will play, and this is a playoff game. Leave no doubt. Attack on offense and defense. Play to win the game. — Ian St. Clair
Run the football
The Broncos have had plenty of chances to get into the playoffs. The biggest issue trying to close the books on this chapter has been their inability to stay with the running attack. The Chiefs will be rolling out their B team. They have nothing to play for, so smash the ball down their throat. Control the tempo of the game and run the damn ball. — Adam Malnati
Act like you’ve been here before, Sean Payton
The Broncos secured their first winning season in eight years, but ending the year on a three-game skid would cast a large shadow over the accomplishments of the ‘24 team. I’ve given a lot of credit and praise to Head Coach Sean Payton for his efforts this season. He has done a good job retooling the team in two seasons after the disaster year of Nathaniel Hackett. However, his hubris and questionable decision-making over the last few games give ample reason for concern. It’s time for him to put together his best game plan of the season. The Broncos’ playoff hopes are at stake. Go out, get a win, and send a message to the rest of the NFL that this is a team worthy of the playoffs. — Christopher Hart
Score more points than the Chiefs
The Broncos are 9-0 on the year when they score more points than their opponent, and that will be critical again on Sunday. If not, they need to pray to Tim Tebow for him to come through with some football divine intervention and have the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets come through and win this weekend. — Scotty Payne
