Sean Payton played for overtime instead of a victory at the end of regulation in Cincinnati.

A decision that burned the Broncos coach in a 30-24 OT loss Sunday to the Bengals.

Payton reflected Monday on not attempting a 2-point try with 8 seconds left in the fourth quarter when wide receiver Marvin Mims caught an incredible jump-ball touchdown from rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Instead, Wil Lutz tied the game, 24-24, with an extra point.

The Bengals won it on their third OT possession when quarterback Joe Burrow completed his third touchdown pass of the game to wide receiver Tee Higgins.

“Oh, certainly. You go through it all the time relative to what the call would have been. Based on the outcome, you always second guess,” Payton said on a Monday teleconference call with reporters. “You always do that as a head coach. I know I kind of felt I trusted my gut at the moment, but yes, I think it’s normal to do that.”

Counterpoint: The Broncos gave themselves a chance to win in overtime.

Their defense forced a punt after Cincinnati won the coin toss and elected to receive. Bengals place-kicker Cade York also missed a 33-yard field goal. Denver failed to establish offensive rhythm, though, with a pair of three-and-outs that resulted in punts.

The Broncos (9-7) host the Chiefs (15-1) on Sunday at Empower Field with a chance to clinch a playoff berth.

WR Mims confidence

Mims continues to expand his role as a do-it-all offensive weapon. Lately, at wide receiver.

The second-year pro has gone over 100 yards receiving in two of his last four games. On Sunday, he led the Broncos in catches (eight), receiving yards (103) and receiving touchdowns (two).

“I think we’ve just seen his confidence grow as a receiver, as a runner (and) as a returner,” Payton said on Monday. “It’s great to see. Obviously, it was an explosive play the other night, and then the catch he makes at the end of the game was unbelievable. He’s got that vertical speed. He works his tail off at it. I think he’s good with the ball in his hands as a runner as well.”

Buffalo preparation

If the Broncos defeat the Chiefs, and clinch a playoff spot, they are locked into the No. 7 seed for a wild-card game on the road at the No. 2 seed Bills. The team is already planning ahead to be ready if Denver’s long postseason drought finally ends.

“The work behind the scenes would all be advanced relative to logistics, hotels and all that kind of stuff. From a coaching perspective, it’s all on Kansas City,” Payton said on Monday. “Behind the scenes, certainly. … One of the challenges about going on the road in the postseason is you don’t have that advance. It’s pretty quick that you’re looking for hotel accommodations. All of that, our group would be one top of.”

Briefly

Broncos-Chiefs will be seen by most of the nation on CBS with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call. … Denver has lost two games with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. On Monday, Payton said: “You have to keep fighting. I like the grit on this team, and I like the leadership on this team. I think these guys will respond appropriately.”