ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Denver Broncos gear up for a crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, they find themselves in a unique position. With the possibility of a playoff berth at stake, the Broncos will have the advantage of facing the Chiefs without their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, along with several other key players. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Mahomes will be resting for the game, but details about other potential absences remain unclear.
Among the players likely to miss the game is standout defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is dealing with a strained calf. Other notable absences may include running back Isiah Pacheco (with bruised ribs), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (suffering from a sore knee), and tight end Travis Kelce, who also sat out last year’s final week of the season.
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton emphasized the team’s mindset heading into the game, stating, “We have to play the game to win, that’s all that matters. We don’t care about none of the other stuff. Whoever has on shoulder pads and is wearing red, white, and yellow, we have to beat them boys.” He reiterated that the Broncos must focus solely on performing at their best, regardless of who the Chiefs field on Sunday.
Should the Broncos secure a victory, they would clinch a playoff spot for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win in 2016. Since then, the franchise has undergone significant changes, rotating through several coaches and quarterbacks in the quest to rediscover their winning form.
The Chiefs arrive at the matchup with a remarkable 15-1 record, having recently achieved a decisive victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This win not only secured them a first-round bye in the playoffs but also set the stage for Reid to strategically rest his key players ahead of the postseason. With more than three weeks resting before their AFC divisional-round game, Reid’s decisions reflect a well-earned opportunity to ensure his players are healthy and ready for the challenges ahead.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged Kansas City’s successful season, praising Reid and his team’s accomplishments. “When you go 15-1, then you’re afforded those decisions… They’ve earned that,” he remarked, while highlighting his focusing on game strategy to ensure the Broncos are prepared to perform their best.
The Broncos’ path to a playoff appearance this season hasn’t been without its challenges. They faced setbacks in their last two games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals, making this upcoming game a win-and-in scenario that they fully embrace. Sutton noted how this critical game presents the perfect opportunity for the team to validate their place in the postseason.
Interestingly, the Broncos still have an unlikely chance to sneak into the playoffs even with a loss or tie versus the Chiefs, contingent on the outcomes of the games involving the Bengals and the Dolphins. However, Sutton maintains that the team is fixed on winning without relying on others’ performances.
“We gotta win the game, simple,” he affirmed. “There’s nothing that goes into it. We gotta win the game. It’s black and white.” Last season, the Broncos managed to break a lengthy losing streak against the Chiefs, claiming victory with a 24-9 scoreline, and they came within a whisker of victory in their last encounter earlier this season.
In preparation for this important game, the Broncos have made adjustments in their kicking unit, reflecting a strategic shift after the previous nail-biter against the Chiefs, which ended in heartbreak. Kicker Wil Lutz has demonstrated remarkable performance, successfully executing all of his field goals and extra points since then.
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s game, the Broncos remain determined to seize their opportunity and secure their spot in the playoffs.
