After finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, the Denver Broncos clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2015.
It’s a great story, but just about everyone expects the Broncos to be one-and-done in the playoffs. As the bottom seed in the AFC, Denver has to go on the road to face the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
The Broncos are considered big underdogs against the Bills, understandably so, but fans and pundits shouldn’t forget what happened when Denver went to Buffalo just last season.
The Broncos — with Russell Wilson at quarterback — were considered 7.5-point underdogs going into a Monday Night Football clash with the Bills last season and Denver ended up winning 24-22. Here are the highlights from that wild game:
Of course, the Bills and Broncos have both made notable changes to their rosters since that game. This is a new season with new players, but Denver has already proven capable of getting an upset win in Buffalo.
“We look forward to the challenge,” coach Sean Payton said of facing the Bills. “They’ve had a great season. We’re familiar with, certainly the travel. The last time we were there, felt like we were there seven days. We played Monday night. We got out there Friday. Our plane was delayed. But look, they’re a really good football team, and that’s why they’re the No. 2 seed. We’re going to have to have a great week of preparation, and we’ll get ready to go.”
Winning last season’s matchup has given players confidence that they can do it again.
“I think Buffalo is a tough atmosphere to go, especially in the playoffs later in the year,” receiver Marvin Mims said. “But we did (play the Bills in Buffalo) last year, so the confidence for me is up there. Being on that team last year and being able to go to Buffalo and get a primetime win on Monday night. They have a great team. Quarterback is playing really good, defense playing really good, so it’s going to be a good matchup for us.”
Last year’s victory doesn’t guarantee anything this week. Anything can happen in the NFL, though, so don’t count the Broncos out just yet.
