The Broncos are a 7.5-point underdog for Sunday’s playoff game at Buffalo, but it’s doubtful that will bother any of their players.

Denver last season was a 7.5-point underdog at Buffalo before stunning the Bills 24-22 on Nov. 13, 2023, on Monday Night Football. Confidence gained from winning that game could help the Broncos when they face the Bills at 11 a.m. at Highmark Stadium.

“Buffalo is a tough atmosphere to go, especially in the playoffs later in the year,’’ Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. said after Denver clinched its first playoff berth since 2015 with a 38-0 rout Sunday of Kansas City at Empower Field at Mile High. “But we did (play the Bills in Buffalo) last year, so the confidence for me is up there.”

Mims on Sunday caught five passes for 51 yards and scored two touchdowns. It was his second straight game with two scores, something he called a “great feeling.”

Mims joked there’s “not much do to do in Buffalo.” Perhaps that helped the Broncos’ focus when they won there last season.

Now, the Broncos (10-7), who are the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoffs, will try to pull off another upset against the No. 2 Bills (13-4).

“Josh Allen is Josh Allen,’’ said Denver defensive end Zach Allen, referring to Buffalo’s star quarterback. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge. … But we’ve played there before and we kind of know what to expect. That goes a long way. Being in the same hotel, the same locker room, it sounds stupid, but we’ve been (there). You kind of find your comfort zone.”

Broncos coach Sean Payton touched upon last season’s win over the Bills, when the Broncos had a lengthy stay in Buffalo.

“We look forward to the challenge,’’ Payton said. “They’ve had a great season. We’re familiar with, certainly, the travel. The last time we were there felt like we were there seven days. We played Monday night. We got out there (Saturday). Our plane was delayed (going back to Denver on Tuesday).

“But look, they’re a really good football team, and that’s why they’re the No. 2 seed. We’re going to have to have a great week of preparation, and we’ll get ready to go.”

The Bills entered Sunday ranked No. 2 in the NFL in scoring offense and No. 12 in scoring defense. They had won 10 of 11 games before resting their top players and losing 23-16 Sunday at New England.

“In order for that to happen again, we have to be the most physical team,’’ cornerback Pat Surtain II said of getting another win in Buffalo. “Buffalo is a great team, we all know that. … I think as a team and as a whole, we need to understand that playing our brand of football wins us games. … If we just play our game individually and everybody do their 1/11th, I think we come out victorious.”

Entering the playoffs, Surtain is confident about more than just the game at Buffalo.

“We’re looking to go on a deep run,’’ he said.

Game balls to ownership

Payton said game balls after Sunday’s big win went to team owners.

“They’ve been tremendously supportive,’’ Payton said.

The Broncos’ Walton-Penner ownership group includes Rob Walton, Greg Penner and Carrie Penner as well as limited partners Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice and Lewis Hamilton.

“This is a group that cares about you,’’ Payton said. “They talk about it. I hear it, and they’re very consistent. In today’s pro sports, I think it’s probably one of the bigger indicators of success.’’

Payton had coached the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons for taking 2022 off. He reiterated that he came to Denver in 2023 because “the ownership group here was the reason.”

Romo lauds Nix

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix impressed CBS analyst Tony Romo on Sunday. Then again, the former NFL star NFL quarterback already was impressed with the rookie entering the game.

“Great start to his career,’’ Romo, who played for Dallas from 2003-16, told The Denver Gazette before handling Sunday’s broadcast along with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. “I think he’s got a ton of upside. His potential you can see. I think he’s faster than people thought. He’s got a bigger arm than people thought. He’s very accurate. He’s a hard worker. The sky is the limit for him.”

Nix against the Chiefs completed 26 of 29 passes for 321 yards with four touchdowns and had a passer rating of 152.4.

Extra bucks for Henningsen

Broncos defensive lineman Matt Henningsen was inactive Sunday for a third straight game after being elevated.

The Broncos all season have elevated players from the practice squad to get them a full game schedule. Denver had seven elevations of players who were then inactive. Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo was also elevated three times and wide receiver David Sills V was once.

Henningsen had made $12,500 per week on the practice squad. By getting three full game checks of $54,722 apiece to close the season, he pocketed an extra $126,666 with his elevations.

Also inactive for the Broncos were tackle Frank Crum, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, running back Blake Watson, linebacker Levelle Bailey and emergency quarterback Zach Wilson.

Briefly

The Broncos finished with 63 sacks to lead the NFL. They had four Sunday, two by Nik Bonitto and one apiece by Jonathon Cooper and John Franklin-Myers. Bonitto, with 13.5, and Cooper, with 10.5, were Denver players to reach double digits. … A 33-yard field goal by Wil Lutz in the second quarter gave him 31 for the season, tying the team record set by Jason Elam in 2001. … The Broncos rushed for 158 yards, their second-highest total of the season. Nix had 47 yards on seven carries while starter Jaleel McLaughlin was the top rushing running back with 39 yards on 16 attempts.