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DENVER — Bo Nix marked the end of the Denver Broncos’ eight-year absence from the playoffs by celebrating with enthusiastic fans after a decisive victory.
The rookie quarterback showcased his skills by throwing for 321 yards and delivering four touchdowns in a dominant 38-0 win against the Kansas City Chiefs’ backups. Nix took a victory lap around Empower Field, sharing high-fives with fans and soaking in the moment. “I’ve learned I need to run a bit more during the week because that was quite a lap,” Nix remarked, acknowledging his exhaustion. “But the fans have waited a long time for this.”
Finishing the season with a 10-7 record, the Broncos overcame nearly a decade of struggles to secure their place in the postseason for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season. Their next challenge is a wild-card matchup against the Buffalo Bills (13-4) on Sunday, following their remarkable achievement of shutting out the two-time reigning champions.
Nix completed an impressive 26 of 29 passes during the game, setting franchise records for completion percentage at 89.7 and recording 18 consecutive completions to start. “It’s great to clinch a playoff spot in the final game against a divisional rival,” he said. He also achieved a personal milestone with 19 touchdown passes at home, marking the most by a rookie in NFL history. “We didn’t aim merely to make the playoffs; our ambition goes beyond that.”
With the Chiefs having already clinched the top seed in the AFC and secured a first-round bye, head coach Andy Reid opted to rest several starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. “Kudos to Denver for seizing this opportunity; they did a solid job today,” Reid commented. “Sean (Payton) has really done well with that team. A silver lining for us is seeing young players gain invaluable experience against a formidable opponent.”
Carson Wentz stepped in as quarterback for Kansas City but struggled in his first significant game since last season, completing just 10 passes for 98 yards and being sacked four times by the league’s top pass rush. “As a team, we didn’t perform well, and I didn’t play my best either,” Wentz reflected. “We need to move on quickly. I enjoyed the chance to compete, but today they were the superior team.”
This victory represented only the second time in the last 19 encounters that Denver defeated Kansas City (15-2). Nix’s four touchdown passes raised his season total to 29, the second most by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Justin Herbert’s 31. He connected with Marvin Mims twice, while Courtland Sutton made five catches for 98 yards. Devaughn Vele also caught a touchdown, with his reception coming after a chaotic series of deflections.
Interestingly, Vele was not the intended target; it was a miscue that ended up working in their favor, much to Nix’s delight. “Vele ran the wrong route,” Nix noted, “but he didn’t give up, and it turned out just right. I’m thrilled he found the end zone.”
That play capped off an extraordinary 18-play, 89-yard drive that consumed over 11 minutes, leaving Wentz and Mahomes sitting on the sidelines. “That drive felt like it went on forever,” Payton described. The Chiefs agreed, reflecting on their defensive struggles.
After Harrison Butker missed a 51-yard field goal attempt, Wil Lutz extended Denver’s lead to 24-0 just before halftime with a 33-yarder. “I’ll be kicking myself for not hitting that touchdown to Javonte Williams,” Nix admitted, acknowledging his one incompletion.
The Chiefs will not play again until January 18 or 19, allowing Mahomes and other absent stars ample time to recover. Denver’s playoff drought lasted longer than any team after winning a Super Bowl, spanning four years before finally clinching a postseason spot. This achievement came 3,255 days after the Broncos last featured in the playoffs under Von Miller.
“Bring on the challenge,” Payton stated confidently, looking ahead to their upcoming game against the Bills. Notably, the Bills were other champions, defeating Kansas City earlier in the season.
The Chiefs, despite their loss, concluded their regular season on a high note but avoided having to face star Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow in the playoffs. Due to inclement weather, the Chiefs opted to remain in Denver overnight after a delayed flight to Colorado.
Injury updates revealed Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner sustained a shoulder injury and did not return to the game. Other players sidelined included running back Isiah Pacheco, tackle Jawaan Taylor, and several key defensive players. In contrast, the Broncos entered the playoffs with a clean bill of health.
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