clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Broncos could make history ... just not the kind they want

The next two games could determine whether that history is made, and it starts today in Kansas City.

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Merry Christmas, Broncos Country!

As the Denver Broncos close out the 2016 season, there is one statistic to keep an eye on. It doesn’t involve an individual player, coach or unit.

As Adam Malnati and I discussed on the Mile High Report Radio Podcast this week, we could see a feat in the next two games that hasn’t been pulled since 1980. If the Broncos lose the last two games, it will be the first time in 36 years that they lose both games in the same season to the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.

That’s not good (thanks, John Madden). But in all seriousness, no team wants that to be what it’s remembered for.

There was talk the Broncos would make history in the 2016 season, this just wasn’t the kind people threw out when they discussed the various options. Hopefully Denver wins at least one of these last two games to avoid that kind of repugnant history.

Broncos Tracks

Five Broncos things you should know: The threat of Travis Kelce, the need of a ground game & more
Kelce has more 100-yard games than any other AFC receiving target this season ... and with wet, windy conditions forecast for Sunday, Justin Forsett and the ground game need to come up big.

Broncos vs. Chiefs odds: Desperate Denver a road underdog at Kansas City on Sunday night - SBNation.com
The Denver Broncos will try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a road win at the rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

9 keys to Broncos to keeping playoff hopes alive | 9news.com
I could make this really easy and say it's all about Denver's offense, but go ahead and read it.

NBC Sports Christmas video ahead of Chiefs-Broncos game | The Kansas City Star
Ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Denver Broncos, NBC Sports created a Christmas-themed video featuring both teams. It is unique, to say the least.

Woody Paige: Merry Christmas, I hope - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
In Broncoc franchise history, the team is undefeated on Christmas. So, there is optimism, and there is pessimism.

NFL playoffs unofficially start for Broncos in Week 16 | Broncos Wire
The Denver Broncos are essentially already in the NFL playoffs as they are already facing a win or go home situation.

Chiefs game plan: Scouting the Denver Broncos (8-6) | The Kansas City Star
A detailed look at the key players to watch for the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs’ keys to victory leading up to their Week 16 game at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will air on NBC (Ch. 41 in Kansas City).

Chiefs Tracks

Chiefs need to embrace the gimmicks | The Kansas City Star
They’ve tried running up the middle — more than all but a handful of teams, actually — and it just doesn’t work. The Chiefs are at their best when they’re gimmicky, no matter what the football world may think about it.

Chiefs hope rejuvenated Jeremy Maclin improves inconsistent offense | The Kansas City Star
The mere mention of the play brought a smile to the face of Chiefs co-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Jamaal Charles: 'He's not quite there yet'
Kansas City was tempted to activate Jamaal Charles off injured reserve, but decided the running back isn't healthy enough to help this season.

Report: Chiefs’ Justin Houston not expected to play vs. Broncos - Arrowhead Pride
Uh-oh. The Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to have Justin Houston on Christmas night against the Denver Broncos, according to this report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

NFL Tracks

NFL Week 16: Browns win, Browns win, Browns win! But Titans lose QB and key game. - The Washington Post
The NFL season is approaching its conclusion. Who will lock up playoff spots this week?

NFL injuries: Marcus Mariota, Bryce Petty, Robert Griffin III | SI.com
Updates on all the biggest injuries from Week 16 in the NFL.

NFL official Sarah Thomas takes scary hit in Vikings vs. Packers - SBNation.com
This didn’t look good at all.

Todd Bowles: Kidney stones reason for hospitalization - NFL.com
Jets coach Todd Bowles coached in Saturday's loss to the Patriots after being hospitalized Friday for kidney stones, he told reporters after the game.

Ron Rivera could be a good fit for Rams' coaching job - NFL.com
The Los Angeles Rams are in the market for a big-name coaching hire and current Panthers coach Ron Rivera could be a good fit for the team, Ian Rapoport reports.

Report: No Jim Harbaugh return to the NFL in 2017 | ProFootballTalk
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh already has declared, in colorful fashion, that he won't be returning to the NFL in 2017. But given the whole "not going to be the Alabama coach" thing, it's still risky to take anything he says at face value.

Tom Coughlin to interview for Jaguars coaching job - NFL.com
The Jaguars said they were interested in talking to former coach Tom Coughlin about their head coaching vacancy, and the two sides are scheduled to meet next week, Ian Rapoport reports.

Terry Bradshaw: Mike Tomlin isn't a great coach - NFL.com
Pittsburgh Steelers legend and four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw blasted the franchise's current head coach, Mike Tomlin, in an interview this week.