Broncos Stun Chiefs | Tighten Their Stranglehold on the AFC West
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! That seems to be the Denver Broncos’ approach as they wrapped up their fifth fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Similar to their first matchup against Kansas City last season, this game came down to another 35-yard field goal from Wil Lutz. This time, no block! Lutz hit his third game-winner of the year, and launched the Broncos to 9-2, with the now 5-5 Chiefs landing in the basement of the AFC playoff picture.
Denver entered the game as a +3.5-point underdog to the reigning AFC champions. After a week in which the national media insisted the Chiefs should still be a Super Bowl favorite and questioned Denver’s legitimacy, the Broncos pulled off the upset. With the division now firmly in their grasp, the Broncos only have one question:
The Bo Nix Blueprint
In Sunday’s performance against the Chiefs, Bo Nix passed for nearly 300 yards, including a 32-yard dart to Troy Franklin, that set up the game-winner. He looked much calmer and poised in the pocket, even against a blitz-heavy Steve Spagnuolo defense. He remained cool under pressure and delivered big plays when he needed to. With an elite defense carrying this team, all Nix has to do is stay turnover-free and make a few clutch plays in the fourth quarter. If he can replicate this blueprint throughout the rest of this season, this team can win a championship.
Player of the Game: Ja’Quan McMillian
Denver’s defense is ELITE. They have playmakers on every level, but with Pat Surtain II and Alex Singleton sidelined, the strength of this unit is definitely their pass rush. An under-the-radar (but not for long) contributor, getting after the passer, is nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Not only did McMillian pick off Patrick Mahomes, but he also sacked him twice on Sunday, putting his season sack total at four. McMillian is quietly becoming Vance Joseph’s secret weapon, a player he loves to blitz in key situations. Congratulations to Ja’Quan McMillian on the amazing performance!
The Climb Continues
The Broncos are now in complete control of their destiny. Finishing the season as the AFC’s No. 1 seed is a very real possibility. With a Week 12 bye, the Broncos will return from their break to a very favorable schedule, and they must be prepared to capitalize on it.
Denver has a two-game lead on the Los Angeles Chargers and a four-game lead on the Chiefs (the Raiders are irrelevant at this point) in the AFC West. The Broncos are only a few wins away from clinching the division. With a second consecutive playoff berth nearly guaranteed, one question remains: can the Broncos sweeten the pot and make a run for the No. 1 Seed? As it currently sits, the road to Santa Clara runs through Denver.