Broncos Grind Out Crucial Win Over Chiefs, Close in on AFC West Title and Potential No. 1 Seed
It wasn’t the cleanest game they’ve played all season. In fact, there’s a good chance the Denver Broncos walked off the field on Christmas night knowing they left some points - and plays - on the table. But when the final whistle blew, they had something far more important than style points: a 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and a major step forward in their playoff journey.
The victory didn’t just inch them closer to locking up the AFC West - it also kept them firmly in the mix for the conference’s top seed, which comes with the all-important first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. And make no mistake: if the road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver, that’s a problem for the rest of the AFC.
A Win That Means More Than Just the Score
Let’s be honest - this wasn’t a Chiefs team at full strength. Patrick Mahomes wasn’t under center, and even Gardner Minshew wasn’t available.
But in the NFL, you play who’s in front of you, and the Broncos did enough to handle business. Winning ugly still counts, especially in December.
Now, Denver finds itself in a position where the AFC West could be clinched as early as Saturday - if the Chargers lose or tie against the Texans. If L.A. pulls off a win, that sets up a high-stakes showdown in Week 18 between the Broncos and Chargers, a game that could decide not only the division but possibly the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Why Nobody Wants to See Denver With Home-Field
Here’s the thing about Denver: they’re built to be a nightmare for visiting teams come playoff time. That’s not just a cliché - it’s backed up by the numbers and the environment.
Since the start of the 2024 season, the Broncos are 13-3 at home. And that’s not just about crowd noise, though Empower Field gets loud.
It’s also about the altitude. Teams not used to playing at 5,280 feet above sea level often find themselves gassed by the second half.
Add in a defense that thrives on that energy and a coach who knows how to prep with extra time, and the formula gets dangerous.
Sean Payton has a track record of maximizing bye weeks. If the Broncos secure the top seed and that extra week of rest, they’re going to be a tough out - especially in a year where the AFC doesn’t have a clear-cut juggernaut.
From Rock Bottom to Contenders
What makes this run all the more impressive is how quickly things have turned around in Denver. Two years ago, the franchise was stuck in a tailspin.
The Russell Wilson trade had gone sideways, saddling the team with a massive contract that they eventually had to eat just to move on. Between that deal and the aggressive trade to bring in Payton, the Broncos were low on draft capital and seemingly short on direction.
Fast forward to now, and the picture looks very different.
Second-year quarterback Bo Nix has taken a huge leap, showing poise and command far beyond his age. He’s not just managing games - he’s making plays when they matter. Combine that with a defense that’s been one of the stingiest in football, and you’ve got a team that’s not just winning - they’re built to win in January.
The Path Ahead
Whether or not Denver locks up the division before Week 18, they’ll get a chance to do it on their home turf. And if that game ends up deciding the No. 1 seed, it could be one of the biggest matchups of the season.
Bottom line: This isn’t the same Broncos team that was searching for answers two years ago. This is a team with a clear identity, a young quarterback coming into his own, and a defense that can go toe-to-toe with anyone. And if they end up hosting playoff games in the thin air of Denver, don’t be surprised if they’re the last AFC team standing.