Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix delivered an unforgettable performance in Week 18, leading the Broncos to a 38-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs‘ backup-laden squad. The win not only secured Denver’s first playoff berth since their Super Bowl 50 triumph following the 2015 season, but it also served as a cathartic moment for a franchise that had endured nearly a decade of futility. Nix passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns in the decisive rout, marking a historic milestone for both himself and the team.
The Broncos (10-7) closed out the regular season in stunning fashion, overcoming years of underachievement with a dominant showing against the Chiefs (15-2). The victory was just their second over Kansas City in the past 19 matchups, and it provided a fitting end to the regular season before heading into the postseason. As the game concluded, Nix took a victory lap around Empower Field, high-fiving jubilant fans, soaking in the moment that had eluded the franchise for so long.
Bo Nix’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The rookie quarterback completed 26 of 29 passes for an impressive 89.7% completion rate, setting a new franchise record for both completion percentage and the most completions to start a game (18). His four touchdown passes—two to rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims, one to Courtland Sutton, and another to Devaughn Vele—pushed his season total to 29, the second-most by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Justin Herbert’s 31 in 2020.
While Nix stole the spotlight, his wide receivers also stepped up. Sutton was his most targeted option, hauling in five catches for 98 yards. Mims caught two touchdowns, further solidifying his growing connection with Nix. Vele’s touchdown was a particularly unique play, as the ball ricocheted off two defenders before landing in his hands just before he fell out of bounds, extending the Broncos’ lead to 21-0.
The Chiefs, having already locked up the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, sat key starters including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and others. In their place, Carson Wentz took the reins at quarterback, but the former Pro Bowler struggled in his first significant action since Week 18 of the previous season. Wentz completed just 10 of 17 passes for 98 yards and was sacked four times by the league’s top pass rush, which has accumulated a league-best 62 sacks this season.
Kansas City’s decision to rest its stars had significant consequences, with the Broncos taking full advantage. The Chiefs failed to score a single point, marking their first shutout loss since December 16, 2012, against Oakland. For Denver, it was a well-timed performance that cemented their place in the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
With the victory, the Broncos secured the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot, marking the end of a 3,255-day playoff drought. Their reward? A date with the Buffalo Bills (13-4) in the Wild Card round next Sunday. It’s a rematch of sorts, as the Broncos will face off against former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, now with Buffalo, in what promises to be an exciting clash.
For Denver, the win represents more than just a playoff berth—it’s a turning point for a franchise long mired in mediocrity. Bo Nix has injected new life into the team, and his meteoric rise to one of the league’s top rookies has Broncos fans dreaming of a return to glory. With a dynamic offense and a fierce defense, Denver is poised to make some noise in the postseason.
The Broncos’ postseason appearance is not just a return to the playoffs; it’s a reminder that the team is on the cusp of something special. Nix’s leadership, combined with the team’s impressive roster, has turned the page on a chapter filled with disappointment. As they prepare to face the Bills, the Broncos will enter the postseason with a sense of confidence and optimism that has been absent for years.
For the first time since the days of Peyton Manning and Von Miller, the Broncos are back in the playoff hunt, and the future looks bright. With Bo Nix at the helm, Denver is ready to chase a new championship era, and it all begins with a trip to Buffalo next Sunday.
