After starting 3-8, the Denver Broncos were longshots to reach the 2019 NFL playoffs. Quarterback Drew Lock won his first two starts, though, renewing optimism that the team could finish 8-8 and sneak into the postseason as the AFC’s No. 6 seed.
After Sunday’s 23-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver’s hopes of a late-season push have been crushed. The Broncos are now officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 5-9 record.
Even if Denver won its final two games and ended the year 7-9, that wouldn’t be enough to make the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans already have eight wins so the Broncos could not catch up to them.
The Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders are also within reach of eight wins, ruling out the possibility of Denver making the playoffs with a losing record. This marks the third-straight year the Broncos have finished with a losing record.
Denver will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday and the Raiders in Week 17. Already eliminated from postseason contention, Denver will be playing for pride and the future. Lock is 2-1 as a starter so far this year.
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