ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Ten.
That's the only number that matters for the Broncos as they head into a Week 17 matchup with the Bengals.
There are plenty of other outcomes around the league that could ultimately be beneficial for the Broncos' postseason chances or AFC seeding, but the Broncos' focus is solely internal — and on getting the critical 10th victory of the season that would clinch a playoff berth.
"I put a note: We've got to get to 10," Head Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday. "That's the first thing. We've got to get to 10. Let's focus on that [with] all our preparation [and] everything we do."
Veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton broke down the team's huddle after practice, and he reminded his teammates of the opportunity that sits in front of them to get to that 10th win.
"Courtland just said it best: 'We put ourselves in this position. Let's take advantage of it,'" Payton said.
In Sutton's seven seasons with the team, the Broncos haven't been alive in the playoff race entering Week 17, let alone have a chance to clinch a playoff spot. While Sutton said he didn't want to pile pressure on his teammates, he did urge them to recognize the chance they hold — and to do everything within their power to ensure their able to earn a win in Cincinnati on Saturday.
"[I'm] just sitting here thinking about the dadgum Eminem song ['Lose Yourself']," Sutton said. "The moment's right there. You've got to take it."
Sutton said while the team "came up short with the opportunity" against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, Denver must now move forward and take advantage of its next chance.
"All we can control is prep for this week and going out there and putting our best foot forward for this week to maximize this opportunity that's ahead of us," Sutton said.
The Broncos, Payton said, will need to prep well enough to put together one of their best games of the season against a Bengals team that has "found their stride" and won three consecutive games.
"This game in Cincy has that [important] feel because here we are at the end of the season," Payton said. "We know we're playing a good football team, a team that's been in the playoffs and kind of been where we aspire to go. … All the details [matter]. We're going to have to play not a perfect game, but we're going to have to play one of our best games. I think our players understand that."
The Broncos have embraced the stakes of the matchup, and Sutton believes his teammates will be ready to deliver on a big stage.
"I know that they're going to be prepared and we're going to go out there and show up how we need to show up," Sutton said. "We didn't do it last week, and like I said, that's on and gone. I know this team, I know this locker room very well, and guys are going to show up."
If they do that on Saturday, they could earn the critical 10th win — and convert on an opportunity that could lead to much more.
