ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — For Courtland Sutton, Denver's goal in Week 18 is simple.
"We've got to win the game," Sutton said Wednesday. "Simple. There's nothing else that goes into it. People say, 'It's never black and white.' It's black and white. We've got to win the game. And that's as simple as it gets."
As the Broncos take the field on Sunday, they will face their third consecutive "win-and-in" game and their final chance at earning the team's tenth win. And although the AFC playoff picture could still be decided by other results around the league this weekend, the Broncos are determined to make sure that they are in control when it comes to their postseason aspirations.
"Our goal the past couple weeks is 'Get to 10,' and we have another opportunity to do that," quarterback Bo Nix said. "... I believe pressure is a privilege, and I was taught that a long time ago. There's no pressure without opportunity. So, right now, that means we've got a great opportunity to go do something special."
The Broncos, who dropped one-possession games to the Chargers and Bengals, emphasized a need to finish out games strong when presented with the opportunity. Now facing one final chance to secure a playoff spot, Nix understands that the franchise's first postseason berth since 2015 is there for the taking if the team is able to execute in those crucial moments.
"Obviously, it would mean a lot," Nix said of earning a playoff berth. "It would mean a lot to the organization, everyone who's put time and effort into this organization to make it what it is. It's a special place, special fans, special atmosphere. We have players who have worked really hard, and it would be really important to them. So, it goes without saying. It's a really important thing. It's a really important opportunity. We just have to finish. We have to finish the task at hand. It's right there in front of us. We just have to go take it."
Not only would a victory on Sunday mean Denver's first trip to the postseason since the team's Super Bowl 50 victory, but it would also mark the first postseason appearance for several of the Broncos' longest-tenured players. For Sutton — who arrived in Denver in 2018 and has been a Bronco for his entire NFL career — there is no better time and place to get the job done.
"It means a lot to be in this situation and to be playing meaningful games in December and to have this opportunity," Sutton said. "Finishing the last game of the season [with a] divisional game at home with a chance to go to the playoffs [matters]. ... You could say that it would have been nice to go into this game and have your position locked in and everything like that, but in terms of a storybook thing that you couldn't write up any better, this is the best opportunity that we could have: to go and solidify why we deserve to be in the dance. I know the guys are ready for the opportunity and ready for this moment that has been put in front of us. [I'm] just looking forward to being able to go out there and showcase why we deserve to have that last spot and take off with it."
And for veteran tackle Mike McGlinchey — who knows what it's like to play postseason football after seeing action during his time in San Francisco — earning the opportunity in front of a fan base that has provided extra motivation throughout the season would only make the moment that much more meaningful.
"Obviously we would've loved not to delay this an extra two weeks, but it'll be awesome to do this in front of the crowd," McGlinchey said. "... [Empower Field at] Mile High's been on fire the second half of this year, and we're so appreciative of our fans and the job they're doing for us when we play at home. I expect nothing less than that on Sunday, and I can't wait to give this city an opportunity to cheer for us in the postseason."
BRONCOS PREPARED TO 'PLAY THE GAME TO WIN' AS CHIEFS EXPECTED TO REST STARTERS
As the Broncos prepare to take the field on Sunday, there is some uncertainty about who they will be lining up against. As Kansas City has already locked up the No. 1 seed and secured a first-round bye in the AFC, the Chiefs are expected to rest several of their starting players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But as Denver prepares for one of its biggest matchups of the season, the team is determined to play its best game no matter who takes the field.
'[We want to] get our 10th win and punch our ticket to the playoffs," McGlinchey said. "That's all the concern is. [It] doesn't matter who's lining up across from us. It's just a matter of getting the job done and doing what we need to do to do that."
Head Coach Sean Payton noted that a lot of Denver's preparation this week will be scheme-based rather than player specific, and he is confident that his team will come ready to play no matter what the competition looks like.
"Our focus has got to be on this team, in general," Payton said. "[There will] be, I'm sure, some different people in different places. It's not like college, though. We don't have rosters of 105 [or] 110. When the season starts, they say, 'Here's the schedule, go play.' Credit to Kansas City, [Chiefs Head Coach] Andy [Reid] and his team. When you go 15-1, then you're afforded those decisions. I've been in that position where your team might need a break here or there. They've earned that and that's part of the deal. For us, it's about understanding what we're seeing scheme-wise and being ready to play our best game."
Payton said quarterback Carson Wentz — who is expected to start on Sunday — is "in this league for a reason," and the Broncos will still have to diligently prepare to slow down the Chiefs' offense on Sunday.
No matter who takes the field, Denver remains focused on getting the job done in the team's final game of the season.
"We have to play the game to win," Sutton said. "That's all that matters. Whoever has on shoulder pads and is wearing red, white and yellow, we have to beat them boys. We don't care who shows up and plays, we don't care who sits, who doesn't play, who does play. We don't care about any of that. The Broncos have to show up Sunday and win the game."
