The Denver Broncos head toward the end of the NFL regular season with their playoff hopes still alive as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. Scheduled for January 5, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High, this matchup is more than just another game; it’s a do-or-die moment for Denver as they aim to clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC.
With rookie quarterback Bo Nix dazzling fans and critics alike, the Broncos (9-7) find themselves on the brink of postseason play thanks to his remarkable performance this season. Nix, the No. 12 pick from Oregon, has thrown for 3,454 yards, with 25 touchdowns against 12 interceptions on a completion rate of 65.1%. This success has propelled the team within reach of the playoffs—a feat they haven’t achieved since their Super Bowl win eight years ago.
But how do the Broncos secure their playoff dream? All they need to do is beat the Chiefs, who arrive with the best record in the NFL at 15-1. Kansas City has already clinched the top seed and has decided to rest several key starters, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will not play. Players like tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones are also listed as doubtful. Utilizing this opportunity, the Broncos can capitalize and solidify their spot.
According to the latest projections by The Athletic, Denver boasts a 72% chance of entering the playoffs, significantly surpassing the Miami Dolphins at 21% and the Cincinnati Bengals at 7%. If the Broncos defeat Kansas City, they'd secure the seventh seed and would likely face off against the No. 2 Buffalo Bills (13-4) next weekend.
The stakes could not be higher. After suffering two consecutive losses, including last week’s overtime defeat at the hands of the Bengals, the Broncos know they can’t afford another slip-up. Yet, the mood is optimistic. Nix threw for three touchdowns and posted over 200 yards against the Chiefs during their last encounter, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Broncos' defense, dominant throughout the season, leads the league with 58 sacks. Much of this success can be attributed to outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection this week and leads the team with 11.5 sacks. Defensive lineman Zach Allen, who dominated last week against Cincinnati and leads the NFL with 39 quarterback hits, is expected to apply pressure early on Carson Wentz, the Chiefs’ backup quarterback.
Denver’s backfield will need to execute well, launching the effort with playmakers like wide receiver Courtland Sutton, just 17 yards shy of reaching 1,000 receiving yards this season. Sutton has emerged as the go-to target for Nix, with 76 receptions and seven touchdowns this year, and will be pivotal to mounting the offense against the Chiefs.
Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m. MT, and fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the community rallies around their players, and the backdrop of the playoffs looms large.
With everything on the line, the Broncos are poised for battle. The recent AFC history indicates high stakes, as victories can ignite postseason ambitions and long-lost glory for Denver fans. If they succeed against the Chiefs, not only will Nix make his mark as one of the notable rookie quarterbacks, he could also join the ranks of legendary Broncos quarterbacks like John Elway, who led the franchise through its highs and lows.
Should the Broncos falter, they will have to wait until next season to pursue playoff aspirations, after missing the postseason for another year. Therefore, focus, determination, and teamwork will be the keys as they take the field against their fierce rivals. Can the Broncos lock up their playoff berth and not only dream but play the part?
This dramatic end to the regular season is more than just another game; it is about legacy, redemption, and the hope of springing back to playoff glory. The Broncos' devotion to achieving this goal is palpable, and their fans are waiting with bated breath.