The Denver Broncos have officially secured their place in the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl run during the 2015 season. On Sunday, the team ended an eight-season playoff drought, which is now the second-longest in the NFL, surpassed only by the New York Jets. The Broncos clinched their playoff spot with a resounding 38-0 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, earning the final playoff slot in the league.

As the postseason approaches, the Broncos' performance has positioned them favorably within the competitive landscape of the AFC. After starting the season with two consecutive losses, the team rebounded by winning five of their next six games from late September through October. Despite facing a setback against the Baltimore Ravens in November, where they suffered a significant defeat, the Broncos nearly achieved a monumental upset against the Chiefs. A blocked field goal in that match prevented them from securing what would have been a tremendous victory.

This season has been significant for rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has emerged as a key player and a promising prospect for the future. Nix's strong performance has placed him as one of the standout rookies of the year, second only to Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders. Following some early struggles, he has thrown for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team's success. Additionally, Denver's defense has been a cornerstone of their gameplay, allowing the eighth-fewest yards per game and recording the highest number of sacks in the NFL. Notably, third-year linebacker Nik Bonitto has led the defense with 13.5 sacks. While reaching the playoffs is a considerable achievement for the Broncos, they face a challenging road ahead, particularly with established contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens standing in their way.