The Denver Broncos clinched the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture on Sunday, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0. The Chiefs, having already secured the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, rested the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball.

Despite that, the Broncos dominated from start to finish, ending their season with a 10-7 record, while Kansas City finished with an impressive 15-2.

With key players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and others sitting out, the Chiefs will face a long layoff of nearly 25 days until they take the field again for the divisional round.

However, Kansas City is no stranger to this kind of break. Having experienced similar situations in previous seasons, they maintain their focus as they look ahead to the postseason. After their blowout loss, the team posted a simple, four-word message that reflects their laser-sharp tunnel vision heading into the playoffs.

“On to the postseason.” Chiefs posted minutes after the loss. 

Kansas City will face the lowest-seeded team to advance to the second round, which could very well be a divisional opponent. The Broncos, as the No. 7 seed, could meet the Chiefs, or the Chargers, having secured the No. 5 seed, could also be their opponent. For that to happen, however, Los Angeles would need to defeat Houston, or Denver would need to pull off an upset against the No. 2-seeded Buffalo Bills.

The other first-round AFC matchup will feature two teams very familiar with each other, as the No. 3 Baltimore Ravens will host the No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers, who are currently on a four-game losing streak.

 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Despite the potential challenges, Kansas City doesn’t fear any team that has to come into Arrowhead Stadium and knock them off. The Chiefs are focused on making NFL history as they aim to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.