Broncos vs. Chiefs: 3 takeaways from Denver’s 38-0 playoff-clinching win over the Chiefs

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The Broncos defeated the Chiefs, 38-0, on Sunday at Empower Field in Week 18 of the NFL season.

Here are three takeaways from the home win.

Playoff bound

Their long playoff drought is over. The Broncos clinched the final AFC wild card spot and their first NFL postseason berth since 2015. It was never close. Kansas City rested most of its starters and Denver feasted with a 24-0 halftime lead. Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz struggled against a dominant defense that recorded five sacks and hardly allowed Kansas City’s offense to cross midfield. Now, the Broncos advance to wild card weekend with a first-round matchup at the Buffalo Bills.

Nix-tacular

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed 18 consecutive passes to begin the game. It ranks as the second-highest completion streak in franchise history. Nix didn’t miss until late in the second quarter. He dissected the Chiefs defense with 321 passing yards, four touchdowns and smart running decisions. Nix exited in the fourth quarter with a 38-0 lead to allow backup Jarett Stidham to play. It’s fair to point out that Nix did not face a full-starting defense. But he delivered a huge performance when it mattered most.

Sutton payday

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s big performance resulted in a big payday. He logged five catches for 98 yards and one touchdown. It brought his receiving yardage total this season above 1,065 — triggering a $500,000 performance incentive in his contract. It raises his total performance bonuses to $1.5 million. Sutton missed voluntary offseason workouts protesting stalled contract negotiations and found a middle ground with additional incentives. A smart decision. Sutton will be making his first career NFL playoff appearance in his seventh season.


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The Broncos clinched their first playoff berth since 2015 with a 38-0 win over Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. Here are the grades from the victory: Offense The Broncos jumped on the Chiefs’ second-string defense from the start and never looked back. Rookie QB Bo Nix, who broke the […]


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