The Denver Broncos clinched their first playoff berth since 2015, claiming the seventh spot and a trip to Buffalo next weekend.
After failing back-to-back weeks to get this spot, the Broncos faced a Chiefs side that was resting their starters, and dominated them. Denver won the game 38-0 and were never threatened from the first drive onwards.
Bo Nix delivered a masterpiece of a game. He completed 26 of his 29 pass attempts for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Nix also rushed the ball seven times for 47 yards. This was a fitting end to a great rookie campaign, in which Nix finished with 3,775 passing yards, 34 total touchdowns, and a 66.7% completion rate.
BO NIX GOES OFF IN A MUST-WIN GAME TO SEND DENVER TO THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 2015 SEASON 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2025
What a debut season from the rookie 👏 pic.twitter.com/tRGW2N7Uc5
Courtland Sutton also ended his strong regular season well, catching five passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. This is Sutton’s first 1,000 yard season since 2019. Marvin Mims also continued his hot streak, going for 51 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. The last touchdown went to Devaughn Vele, on a wild circus catch in the back of the endzone.
Rushing wise, the Broncos were very ineffective on Sunday. Jaleel McLaughlin carried the ball 16 times for 39 yards, Audric Estime 12 times for 34 yards and a touchdown, and Javonte Williams five times for 28 yards. In total, the team put up 158 rushing yards, but with Nix leading the way and a weak average of 3.7 yards per carry, it must improve to beat a tough Buffalo team next week.
Defensively, the Broncos dominated. Carson Wentz only threw for 98 yards, and the Chiefs only accumulated 27 total rushing yards. In total, the Chiefs did not even tally 100 total yards and only crossed midfield twice, resulting in a missed kick and a turnover on downs.
A shutout performance from our defense. 😤 pic.twitter.com/HFlRwn099r
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 6, 2025
The Broncos are going to face their toughest game of the year, in a cold and tough Buffalo environment. The Bills have been one of the most dominant teams all season, and will look to continue that. If the Broncos can have another game from Nix like they did today, and run the ball with more efficiency, they will have a shot to beat the Bills next weekend.
