The Denver Broncos’ hopes of reaching the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl victory in 2015 took a hit on Saturday as they fell 30-24 in overtime to the Cincinnati Bengals. With just one win needed in their final three games, the Broncos are now running out of opportunities.
At 9-7, Denver must secure a victory in their last regular-season game next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are two-time Super Bowl champions. After suffering two consecutive losses, the Broncos know their playoff fate rests in their hands.“It’s been like this for two weeks,” said Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. “We just need to put everything into winning the game.”
The Broncos still control their own playoff destiny: a win against Kansas City guarantees them a spot without needing outside help. “Just get back in Monday, start the week over again and beat Kansas City,” said defensive end Zach Allen. “Obviously, we could have gotten it done two games ago. We should have gotten it done tonight. We’ll be fine.”
The upcoming game against the Chiefs will be challenging, as Kansas City has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and may rest key players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is dealing with a high ankle sprain. Denver previously lost to the Chiefs 16-14 at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, leaving them at 5-5 after that defeat.
“Need to turn the page and get ready for a really good team coming in the last game of the season,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “This is what we do it for—meaningful games. There’s nothing worse than playing games at the end of the season where there’s nothing at stake.”
The Broncos could have eased their playoff pressure with a win over the Bengals. Nix threw three game-tying touchdown passes in the second half, including two to Marvin Mims Jr., who made a spectacular 24-yard catch to tie the game at 24 with just eight seconds remaining. Although the Broncos considered going for a two-point conversion, Payton opted to kick the extra point and send the game into overtime.
“I definitely want the ball with a chance to win the game, but we had a chance to do that in overtime,” Nix said.
Denver could have secured a playoff berth with a tie but struggled in overtime, punting twice, including after the Bengals missed a potential game-winning field goal attempt when Cade York’s 33-yard kick hit the upright. Joe Burrow ultimately sealed the victory for Cincinnati with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:10 left, keeping the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive.
“We’ve got to turn ourselves into winners,” said right tackle Michael McGlinchey. “We need to make sure that when we control the outcome of certain situations, we finish. Cincinnati’s a great football team. They played like their life was on the line today.”
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