Sean Payton downplays sweeping NFC South with Broncos

For the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement, the Broncos swept a division. “We’re just focused on winning,” Sean Payton said.

Sean Payton won seven NFC South division titles during his time with the New Orleans Saints. He’s now coaching the Denver Broncos and while an AFC West title might be out of reach in 2024, the Broncos are on pace to make the NFL playoffs as a Wild Card team this fall.

Denver’s playoff chances are helped by the team’s perfect record against Payton’s old division this season. Following a 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the Broncos are now 4-0 against the NFC South in 2024.

Before the Falcons game, Denver previously beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26-7), New Orleans Saints (33-10) and Carolina Panthers (28-14). Combined, the Broncos outscored NFC South teams 125-37.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCfpB1cNRnK/?hl=en

So, does Payton have it out for his old division?

“No,” Payton said after the Falcons game. “We’re just focused on winning. I could say something smart, but I’m not going to right now.”

This marks the first time Denver has swept an entire division since Peyton Manning’s retirement. Before this season, the team’s last division sweep came in 2015 when the Broncos went 4-0 against the NFC North.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Nick Bolton says Broncos QB Bo Nix will ‘definitely’ be a challenge for Chiefs going forward

“He has great ‘escapability’ and great feel for the game,” Nick Bolton said of Bo Nix. “He’s definitely going to be a challenge for us.”

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix went toe to toe with Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. Nix put the Broncos in position to win the game at the end, but the Chiefs blocked Wil Lutz’s last-second field goal attempt to seal a 16-14 result.

After the game, Mahomes praised Nix for his leadership and told the rookie it was just the first of many matchups they’ll have in the future. Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton also gave his opponent a positive review.

“I think he does a good job of taking what’s given to him,” Bolton said. “They make it easy for him with reads and pre-snap movement and getting to the line early. I think those things help him progress as the game goes on and he tries to get the feel for it.

“He can also use his legs – that’s something that’s going to be a challenge for us as we continue to play him next time. He can use his legs to extend the play and get out of the pocket, he has great ‘escapability’ and great feel for the game. He’s definitely going to be a challenge for us.”

Nix completed 73.3% of his passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers against the Chiefs. He didn’t have an impact on the ground on Kansas City, but Nix’s 290 rushing yards this season rank fifth among QBs and his four rushing touchdowns are tied for third.

For the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement, the Broncos appear to have a quarterback who can challenge the Chiefs.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Best photos from Chiefs’ Week 10 win vs. Broncos

See all the best photographs from the Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 10 win over the Denver #Broncos.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs overcame all odds to defeat the Denver Broncos 16-14, thanks to a last-second field goal block by budding linebacker Leo Chenal.

Fans won’t soon forget Chenal’s heroic effort on the game’s final play, and with their latest victory, the Chiefs stole Denver’s chance to deliver Kansas City its first loss of the season.

Star pass-catcher Travis Kelce made history by tying Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record of 76 receiving touchdowns. Kelce has repeatedly shown that he has what it takes to stand among the greatest receivers of all time.

The Week 10 matchup put the Chiefs’ rivalry with the Broncos in the spotlight and produced one of the most exciting games of the season for both teams.

After this win, Kansas City’s win streak was extended to 15 straight games. The defending Super Bowl champions have not lost since their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day in 2023.

Take a look at the best photos from the Chiefs’ latest victory:

Chiefs vs. Broncos: Rising DB sacks Bo Nix in first quarter

#Chiefs DB Nazeeh Johnson sacked #Broncos QB Bo Nix in the first quarter of Kansas City’s AFC West showdown against Denver in Week 10.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive unit wasted no time making a statement in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs’ pass rush has been a key part of the defending Super Bowl champions’ undefeated start to the 2024 regular season, and rising defensive back Nazeeh Johnson was the latest player to take down an opposing quarterback.

After back-to-back scoreless drives for both teams, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo drew up a perfect blitz against Broncos rookie Bo Nix on first down.

Johnson lept on his opportunity to get involved and sacked Nix for a huge loss that ultimately forced Denver to punt later in the drive.

Take a look at Johnson’s highlight reel sack in this video, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

 

Expect Spagnuolo to continue featuring Johnson in his defensive game plan to keep the pressure on Nix as Kansas City looks to keep its perfect season intact.

Can the Broncos beat the NFL’s only unbeaten team this week?

The Chiefs (8-0) are the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team. The Broncos (5-4) will aim to end KC’s winning streak.

Last year, the Denver Broncos snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs just before the midway point of the 2023 season.

This weekend, the Broncos will attempt to snap another streak when they face the Chiefs just after the midway point of the 2024 season.

Kansas City has won eight consecutive games this fall and they are the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team. Denver would love to hand the division rival its first loss of the season.

“I’m excited about it,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said of Sunday’s matchup. “I think it’s a good challenge for us, a good opportunity for us. Obviously they have a great defense. They’re playing at a really high level this year [and] have in the past couple of years. It’s exciting for us. It’s an opportunity; [it’s] our first road divisional game, so you know that I’m excited.”

Getting an upset victory over the Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium would give Denver a huge boost for the second half of the season.

“That’s what all the conversations have been about, is getting the win,” star cornerback Pat Surtain said. “That’s all that matters in the league. Getting a win against a team like the Chiefs would obviously mean a lot, but the league carries on with teams winning ball games. Especially ball games of this pedigree. It’s a good opportunity for us to showcase what we have.”

Sunday will mark the first time Nix has played at Arrowhead, and he’s eager to face the challenge.

“It’s my favorite,” Nix said of playing in hostile environments. “I think I’d rather play in a hostile environment than a low-level environment that’s not as much fun, no fans at the game. You have to kind of bring your own energy. I think these games are fun because there’s a level of excitement, a level of passion going into the game.

“These are the games you grew up watching and playing, so if you’re not ready for these games then you probably don’t belong in the league. I’m excited about this, the hostility and a new environment. I’ve never been to this stadium. It’s well known around the league as one of the best, so I’m excited.”

The Broncos are considered heavy underdogs on the road, understandably so. Denver is 5-4 and the Chiefs have won 16 of the last 17 matchups. But if they play a clean game, the Broncos are capable of an upset.

“We have to be on our p’s and q’s to be able to go in there and knock off the defending Super Bowl champs at home,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map).

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos have 29% chance to make NFL playoffs

The Broncos (5-4) have a 29% chance to make the NFL playoffs, according to projections from The Athletic.

If the 2024 NFL season ended today, the Denver Broncos (5-4) would make the NFL playoffs.

The Broncos are currently third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs (8-0) and Los Angeles Chargers (5-3), above the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7). The division is probably out of reach, but Denver could still compete for a Wild Card spot this fall.

The NFL’s two conferences (the AFC and NFC) send four division winners and three Wild Card seeds to the playoffs each season. Denver is currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff race.

Despite currently holding a playoff spot, the Broncos only have a 29% chance to make the NFL playoffs, according to projections from The Athletic. They project Denver to finish the year with an 8-9 record.

AFC playoff picture after Week 9

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)
  2. Buffalo Bills (7-2)
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-2)
  4. Houston Texans (6-3)
  5. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
  7. Denver Broncos (5-4)

The Broncos will attempt to fend off the Indianapolis Colts (4-5), Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) and New York Jets (3-6) in the coming weeks. Denver already beat the Jets earlier this season and the Broncos will face the Colts (home) and Bengals (away) later this season.

This week, Denver will go on the road to take on the Chiefs.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses Raiders rivalry, Kermit The Frog doll video

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes discusses Las Vegas #Raiders rivalry, Kermit The Frog doll video | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke with reporters on Wednesday about the latest chapter in the rivalry with the Las Vegas Raiders kicking off this Sunday.

“We know we’re gonna get their their best shot. I mean, that’s kind of how it’s been every single week,” said Mahomes. “But obviously, when you play a divisional opponent, like I’ve said in the past, (there) is a real rivalry between our two teams and our two organizations. You’re gonna get their best shot, and we’re gonna go out there and match that and let the best team win.”

In July, the Raiders fired the first shot ahead of the new season against the Chiefs with their viral Kermit the Frog doll video comparing it to Mahomes. The reigning Super Bowl MVP addressed his nonconcern with the clip heading into Sunday’s showdown.

“I don’t know if you would say resonates with me,” said Mahomes. “I think just knowing that the competitive spirit that they have on that side is going to match the competitive spirit that we have, I think it’s going to be a fun football game that we’re going to get the best out of each and every player on that football field. And like I said, the best team will win.”

The Chiefs’ last defeat came last Christmas Day to the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The visit to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will also be Kansas City’s first time back since winning Super Bowl LVIII.

AFC West standings: Broncos jump to 2nd after Chargers’ loss

Following the Chargers’ loss on ‘Monday Night Football,’ the Broncos are now in second place in the AFC West going into Week 8.

Following a 33-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, the Denver Broncos are now ranked second in the AFC West.

The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Arizona Cardinals 17-15 on Monday Night Football to wrap up Week 7, which allowed the Broncos to jump up to second place.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated and on top of the division following their 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

The Las Vegas Raiders dropped to 2-5 following a 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Vegas also lost starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell to a broken thumb on Sunday, so the Raiders are going back to Gardner Minshew, who originally started the first five games of the season.

Here’s a look at how the AFC West stacks up after seven games.

AFC West standings

Team Record Division Conference
Kansas City Chiefs 6-0 1-0 3-0
Denver Broncos 4-3 1-1 2-2
Los Angeles Chargers 3-3 2-1 2-2
Las Vegas Raiders 2-5 0-2 2-3

After hosting the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the Broncos will have back-to-back road games against the Baltimore Ravens and Chiefs. The next three weeks could determine if Denver has a chance to compete in the division this fall.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos fans now have another reason to hate Tom Brady

Tom Brady has been officially approved as a minority owner of the Raiders, giving Broncos fans yet another reason to dislike him.

Tom Brady had a fierce on-field rivalry with Peyton Manning during their NFL careers, and Brady was perhaps Denver Broncos fans’ favorite player to beat, especially in the playoffs.

Fans in Denver loved to hate Brady, and they now have another reason to dislike the retired quarterback. NFL owners approved Brady purchasing a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, making him a limited partner of the Broncos’ biggest rival.

Brady, who went 9-9 against the Broncos in his career (including a 1-3 record against them in the playoffs), has now been officially approved as a Raiders co-owner. Brady had previously agreed to buy into the team last year, but the agreement was not approved until today.

So the next time Denver faces Las Vegas — on the road in Week 12 — the Broncos will be renewing their rivalry with Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion also serves as an NFL commentator for Fox.

[vertical-gallery id=635692]

Broncos are third in AFC West, just outside playoff picture after Week 6

Entering Week 7, the Broncos are in third place in the AFC West, but the team is still within reach of a wild card seed.

Six weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos (3-3) are not on pace to make the playoffs.

The Broncos are currently ranked third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) and Los Angeles Chargers (3-2). Denver’s still above the Las Vegas Raiders (2-4), who the Broncos beat 34-18 in Week 5.

Winning your division is the safest way to secure a playoff spot, but Denver is considered a long shot to catch up to KC this season. A more realistic target would be aiming for a wild card spot.

After the four division winners, three other teams from the conference will qualify as wild card seeds. Right now, the Broncos are eighth in the conference, just outside the playoff picture.

Here’s a look at the AFC’s playoff order after Week 6.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
  2. Houston Texans (5-1)
  3. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
  4. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
  7. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
  8. Denver Broncos (3-3)

On deck for Denver is a road game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]