The Denver Broncos are 30 minutes away from clinching their first playoff berth since 2015. Led by three Bo Nix touchdown passes, the Broncos took a 24-0 halftime lead over the Chiefs, who are playing without several key starters that includes Patrick Mahomes.
How dominant was the Broncos’ first half? The Broncos outgained the Chiefs 187-13 in the first quarter. Denver scored touchdowns on each of its first three drives as Nix completed each of his first 18 pass attempts. Nix (who was 18 of 19 for 215 yards in the first half) also made history by throwing his 18th touchdown pass at home, a new NFL rookie record. He also led both teams in rushing with 47 yards on seven carries.
Nix’s first touchdown pass went to Courtland Sutton, who reached the necessary yardage in the first half in order to receive a $500,000 incentive bonus. Sutton’s 89 receiving yards in the first half was more than the Chiefs’ entire first half offensive output. Carson Wentz, starting in Mahomes’ place, was 6 of 9 for 53 yards in the first half. Kansas City’s offense managed to pick up just 61 yards in the game’s first two quarters.
With a win, the Broncos will clinch their first playoff berth in nine years. A Denver win would also eliminate the Dolphins and Bengals from postseason contention. Kansas City (15-1) sewed up the AFC’s No. 1 seed by virtue of its Christmas Day win over the Steelers.
Will the Broncos finish the job in the second half? Check out our live blog below to find out.