The Denver Broncos still need one victory to clinch a spot in the postseason, and they will have to defeat the AFC West division champions on Sunday. Denver head coach Sean Payton spoke with reporters on Monday, addressing his team’s overtime loss in Week 17 and looking ahead to possibly facing a resting Kansas City Chiefs squad on Sunday.
“I told (the team) after the game, I said, ‘This is part of it,” said Payton. “We don’t get to choose. You guys have seen the big sign when you enter that locker room area. You have to keep fighting.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted that multiple players could miss the Week 18 regular-season finale. However, Payton focused on the game plan rather than the players on the field.
“I think you have to approach it like you’re seeing starters at these positions. I think you’re looking at the scheme relative to the game plan and then planning on seeing the player you’re watching on film,” said Payton. “If someone else is in that spot, then so be it.”
The Broncos clinch a playoff berth with a victory on Sunday or losses or ties from the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals.