The Denver Broncos’ push for AFC dominance took a hit on Sunday, falling 34-20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that had major implications-not just for playoff seeding, but for head coach Sean Payton’s place in NFL history.
Heading into the matchup, Denver sat at 12 wins, with Payton on the verge of joining elite company. A victory would’ve given him his fifth 13-win regular season, tying him with Bill Belichick for the most in league history. That’s not just a footnote-it’s the kind of milestone that cements a coach’s legacy alongside the all-time greats.
But the Jaguars had other plans. Jacksonville came out firing and never really let Denver settle into its rhythm.
The Broncos' defense, which has been a strength for much of the season, struggled to contain the Jaguars’ balanced attack. Offensively, Denver couldn’t find enough answers, and the result was a loss that not only delays Payton’s shot at history, but also complicates the Broncos’ path to a top playoff seed in the AFC.
Still, there’s time-and opportunity.
Denver has two games left on the regular-season slate, starting with a Christmas Day showdown at Arrowhead against the Kansas City Chiefs. That matchup, once circled as a potential AFC heavyweight clash, has taken on a different tone with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL. Without Mahomes, Kansas City has looked vulnerable, and the Broncos will be eager to capitalize.
After that, it’s back home for a Week 18 finale against the Los Angeles Chargers-a team very much in the playoff picture and playing with postseason urgency. While the Chargers are capable of making things difficult, Denver knows what’s at stake. Two wins would not only lock up that elusive 13th victory for Payton, but also set the Broncos up with serious momentum heading into the postseason.
It’s worth noting just how rare this kind of consistency is. Payton, alongside rookie quarterback Bo Nix, is one of just three coaches since 1950 to guide a team to 10 or more wins and a playoff berth in their first year together. That’s not just a stat-it’s a testament to the culture shift Payton has brought to Denver, and the rapid development of Nix under his leadership.
The loss to Jacksonville stings, no doubt. But the bigger picture is still very much in play.
Two games remain. Two chances for Payton to make history.
And for the Broncos, two opportunities to remind the rest of the AFC that they’re not just a feel-good story-they’re a legitimate threat.