Denver Broncos End Nine-Year Playoff Drought

The Denver Broncos have ended a nine-year playoff drought with a commanding victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, securing the No. 7 seed in the postseason after a 10-7 regular season. This marks their first playoff appearance since Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where they last celebrated a playoff win, and comes under the leadership of head coach Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Despite a rocky decade, which included six head coaches and 14 starting quarterbacks, the Broncos have regrouped, driven by a strong defense that ranks first in sacks. They will face the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, a matchup steeped in irony as Denver passed on drafting quarterback Josh Allen in favor of defensive end Bradley Chubb in 2018. The Broncos aim to leverage their resilient defense, which has drastically improved since a humiliating loss earlier this season against the Miami Dolphins. As they seek to reclaim playoff glory, fans are hopeful for a turnaround after years of disappointment.