The Denver Broncos have punched their ticket to the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2015. The nine-year drought is officially over, and they’re headed to the postseason with their rookie franchise quarterback, Bo Nix.

Denver Broncos, Bo Nix dominate Chiefs in finale

Patrick Mahomes, Trent Green, Carson Wentz, it didn’t matter who suited up for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the Broncos on a mission and they accomplished it. Needing a win to make it to the playoffs, the Broncos came out and dominated against the Chiefs from the onset to get them a spot in the playoffs, winning 38-0

Three moments that defined Sunday’s game vs. Chiefs

What were three of the most defining moments from Sunday’s game?

1. Broncos first three drives see Bo Nix make history, throwing his 26th/27th/28th TDs of the season

Bo Nix and the Broncos offense were on deck first in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Nix helped orchestrate a six-play, 70-yard drive that saw him go 4-of-4 passing for 56 yards with a touchdown throw to Marvin Mims that put the Broncos up 7-0 early on in the first quarter.

Denver’s defense forced a quick three-and-out on their first series after Nix and the offense’s touchdown drive.

Nix came out on Denver’s second offensive drive and went 4-of-4 passing once again, this time finding Courtland Sutton for a touchdown after finding him for a 47-yard game a couple of plays prior to help Denver take a 14-0 lead.

With Nix’s two passing touchdowns in the first quarter, he tied Baker Mayfield for second-most passing scores by a rookie in NFL history, and he tied Justin Herbert for the most games by a rookie with two passing scores in NFL history with nine.

Nix’s hot streak continued on Denver’s third drive with an 18-play, 89-yard drive that took 11:05 off of the clock, with the Broncos’ rookie remaining a perfect 18-of-18 for 183 yards and three touchdowns.

Nix finished the first half 18-of-19 passing for 215 yards, three passing touchdowns, and 47 yards rushing on seven attempts.

He went on to finish Sunday’s game, going 26-of-29 passing with four passing touchdowns and 47 rushing yards on seven attempts. Nix finishes the regular season with 29 passing touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions.

2. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper solidify Broncos pass rush dominance

For the first time since 2018, the Denver Broncos had two edge rushers amass double-digit sacks. Nik Bonitto’s second-quarter sack put him at 12.5 on the season, and Jonathon Cooper’s second-quarter sack on the play prior put him at 10.5 on the season.

Both players have emerged as crucial players off the edge, and their level of play has helped Denver get back into the postseason.

In the third quarter, Bonitto and John Franklin-Myers combined for a sack, which put Denver’s premier edge rusher at 12.5 on the year. Bonitto would get his 13.5 sack of the year near the end of the third quarter.

3. Marvin Mims is the Broncos special ingredient on offense

Marvin Mims has been on a tear for the Broncos in the second-half stretch of their season, and his utilization has been a big reason for this. He’s found confidence in how Sean Payton and the coaching staff have been using him in the backfield as a rusher, as a receiver, and in the return game.

In Sunday’s dominant win against the Chiefs, Mims hauled in two passing touchdowns for the second consecutive game, finishing the game with five catches for 51 yards.

He’s become the ‘Joker’ in Payton’s deck of cards that could help the Broncos surprise somebody in the playoffs, perhaps Buffalo?

Denver Broncos news and notes vs. Chiefs

  • With Bo Nix’s passing touchdown to Marvin Mims in the first quarter, Nix became the fifth rookie QB in NFL history to throw for 3500 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns (Courtesy Nick Kosmider).
  • Nix set a franchise record in the first half for most consecutive completions to start a game going (18-of-18).
  • Courtland Sutton reached his $500,000 contract incentive by surpassing over 82 yards receiving in the first half.
  • Denver controlled the time of possession 41:49 to 18:11.
  • Kicker Wil Lutz tied the Broncos single-season record for field goals made with 31 after going 1-for-1 on Sunday.
  • The Broncos defense finished the regular season with 62 total sacks on the year after they registered five vs. KC on Sunday.
  • The Broncos defense held the Chiefs offense to 98 net yards total and 1-of-9 on third down.
  • The Broncos offense finished Sunday’s game with 479 yards of offense.