BREAKING: Broncos ready to respond ahead of Week 18 ‘win-and-in’ game vs. Chiefs… read more
Broncos Still in Control of Their Destiny as They Prepare for Week 18 Showdown Against Chiefs
With only one game remaining in the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos are still firmly in control of their own destiny. Despite falling to the Chargers and Bengals in their previous two outings, the Broncos have a “win-and-in” matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, providing them with an opportunity to clinch their first postseason berth since 2015.
Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized that overcoming adversity is a crucial step in the team’s journey to success. “I told the team after the game, ‘This is part of it. We don’t get to choose,'” Payton said on Monday. “You guys have seen the big sign when you enter that locker room area. You have to keep fighting.”
The Broncos are poised to do just that as they host the Chiefs on Sunday. While there may be some uncertainty surrounding the Chiefs’ lineup for Week 18, Payton noted that his team will be prepared for any eventuality. “I think you have to approach it like you’re seeing starters at these positions,” Payton said. “You’re looking at the scheme relative to the game plan, and then planning on seeing the player that you’re watching on film. If someone else is in that spot, then so be it.”
The Broncos have demonstrated their resilience throughout the season, having not suffered three consecutive losses at any point. Payton has previously praised the team’s ability to bounce back from defeat, and he is confident that they will show the same grit and determination on Sunday.
“I like the grit on this team, and I like the leadership on this team,” Payton said. “I think these guys will respond appropriately.”
Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has been a key factor in the Broncos’ success this season, and his performance in Saturday’s game against the Bengals was no exception. Mims recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career, with both scores coming in critical moments of the game.
Mims’ first touchdown came with just under nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Bo Nix fired a 51-yard pass to the back of the end zone. The touchdown and ensuing extra point allowed the Broncos to tie the game, before quarterback Joe Burrow responded with a rushing touchdown with 1:31 remaining.
Mims’ second touchdown was an even more spectacular play, as he jumped to make a catch between two defenders on fourth-and-1 from Cincinnati’s 25-yard line with just 14 seconds on the clock. “It gave us a chance to win,” Mims said on Saturday.
While the Broncos ultimately fell short in overtime, Mims’ standout performance continued to demonstrate his potential to make game-changing plays. As his role has expanded this season, Mims has shown a growing confidence as a receiver, runner, and returner.
“I think we’ve just seen his confidence grow as a receiver, as a runner, and as a returner,” Payton said. “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.”
Mims acknowledged that making explosive plays is a great feeling, and he believes that figuring out how to capitalize on those opportunities will only help the team moving forward. “I really like our team,” Mims said. “We just come out and battle. Offensively, I think we had probably like three drives in the first half, so we knew when we got the ball, we had to make the most of it in the second half, and I feel like we did that for the most part.”
