ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are pretty good at winning ugly.

They tied a franchise record with 14 victories but didn't exactly roll over their opponents. Eleven of their victories required comebacks and the same number were by one score.

“It doesn’t have to be aesthetically pleasing to be effective,” coach Sean Payton said after Denver's 20-13 win at Kansas City on Christmas night against Chiefs third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, who was elevated to starter last month when Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew got hurt.

If their first win at Arrowhead Stadium since 2015 comes with an asterisk, so be it.

Payton's mantra all season was that style points mean nothing. After all, the Broncos won their first AFC West crown in a decade, ending the Chiefs' nine-year reign atop the division, and he didn't care how it looked.

The Los Angeles Chargers sat most of their best players for their Week 18 trip to Denver, and the Broncos never found the end zone offensively, settling for four field goals and watching defensive back Ja'Quan McMillian score their only touchdown on a pick-6 for a gritty 19-3 win.

That secured the No. 1 seed over the New England Patriots, who also finished 14-3 but lost the tiebreaker to Denver, going 5-1 against common opponents to Denver's 6-0. The difference was New England's 20-13 loss at home to the Las Vegas Raiders on opening weekend.

Although the Broncos went 0 for 3 in the red zone in their regular-season finale, Payton said winning the AFC's No. 1 seed was enough to mitigate concerns over Denver's offensive hiccups.

“Look, am I ever happy? No,” Payton said. “But we shouldn’t be as coaches. ... There are some things when we watch that film that we’ll be like, ‘Ah.’ When people ask, ‘What’s the benefit of the 1 seed?’ Many will say it’s the rest. I personally think it’s the elimination of a game that you don’t have to play.”

The Broncos will learn their divisional opponent this weekend, and next week they'll host their first playoff game in 10 years.

The Broncos went 8-9 in 2023, Payton's first year in Denver. Parting with quarterback Russell Wilson after that season saddled the Broncos with a record $53 million in dead cap charges last season and another $32 million in 2025.

Payton, general manager George Paton and the Penner-Walton ownership family deftly navigated that whopping $85 million charge as Denver ended an eight-year playoff drought last year and led the AFC this season.

“I think it’s just all the people upstairs finding the right people to be in the building,” linebacker Nik Bonitto said. “That’s why you’ve kind of seen that growth every year with our team and it’s all leading up to right now, us being the 1 seed and being one of the best teams in football. It’s just been a three-year span of continuously trying to grow and have the right people in the building.”

Long before anyone considered the Broncos contenders for the Super Bowl, Payton said back in training camp that this was a special group capable of winning it all, and free-agent acquisition Talanoa Hufanga said he shared that sentiment.

“The minute he said it (I looked) around the group of guys that we got, blue-collar workers,” Hufanga said. “We show up every day, and our job is to get things done. It may not look pretty.”

Like last week.

“I know a lot of people want it to be a 30-0 score, but a win is a win,” Hufanga said. “We have to go back to the drawing board, figure it out so we come back and get another win next time.”

Denver Broncos' stunning season: Ending Chiefs' reign and clinching top AFC seed

DENVER (AP) — Sean Payton listed three goals for his Denver Broncos this season, and chief among them was knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs.

They did that, winning the AFC West for the first time in a decade and ending K.C.'s nine-year reign atop the division.

The Chiefs, who have played in the past seven AFC championship games, are already aiming for next season after a 6-11 finish that ended with Patrick Mahomes with a surgically repaired knee.

Payton's second goal was earning the best seed possible in the playoffs so the Broncos wouldn't have to hit the road like they did last year when they were blasted 31-7 in Buffalo in the wild-card round.

The Broncos earned the AFC's No. 1 seed with a franchise record-tying 14 wins.

Super Bowl 60 was the third goal and they're two home victories away from getting there.

The journey won't be easy. These are the first AFC playoffs without Mahomes, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady since 1998, another reason it's seen as a wide-open field without a prohibitive favorite to raise the Lamar Hunt Trophy on Jan. 25.

All four division winners were new this year with Denver, New England, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh all earning at least one home playoff game.

The Broncos will find out their opponent for the divisional round this weekend. They'll play the lowest remaining seed after wild-card weekend that features two AFC games Sunday and another Monday night.

The Buffalo Bills (12-5) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) on Sunday followed by the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) visiting the New England Patriots (14-3). On Monday night, the Houston Texans (12-5) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) as Aaron Rodgers returns to the postseason for the first time since 2021 when he was with Green Bay.

“I think it’s the best possible position to be in," Broncos second-year QB Bo Nix said. "Two home games is where we want to be. It’s better than having to play on the road and it’s better than having to play an extra game. I think for us, it’s the best-case scenario. It’ll be good to play here because of our stadium and the atmosphere. I think that’ll apply a little bit more pressure. At the end of the day, it’s an open tournament and it’s going to be a really good opportunity to play really good teams. Each one that comes in here is going to be a tough, physical, competitive game.”

1. DENVER BRONCOS (14-3).

Three Lombardi trophies in eight Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: Denver's defense amassed 68 sacks, the fifth most in history and four shy of the 1984 Chicago Bears' NFL-record of 72. Here's the thing: they could have had many more, but defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has built an unselfish pass rush that seeks more to cage in quarterbacks with edge rushers and blitzers never rushing deeper than the QB. Patrick Surtain II, Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Talanoa Hufanga can all wreck offensive game plans.

Cancel the confetti: As usual in Denver, the offense doesn't shine like the defense does. Although QB Bo Nix tied Russell Wilson's NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two NFL seasons, the former Oregon signal caller was erratic with his throws and inconsistent in his play all season. Still, he was clutch when it mattered, throwing for 17 TDs and just two INTs when trailing in 2025. The Broncos are hopeful that if they reach the Super Bowl they'll get RB J.K. Dobbins back from foot surgery to give their backfield a boost. Until then, its rookie R.J. Harvey's chance to shine.

“It doesn’t have to be aesthetically pleasing to be effective.” — Payton.

Six titles in 11 Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: The Patriots are hungry as they return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 on the heels of a potential MVP season from second-year quarterback Drake Maye. His production with a league-best 72.0 completion rate, along with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdowns are what make New England a threat to emerge from the AFC. Their mix of impactful young talent such as running back TreVeyon Henderson and veteran leaders such as wide receiver Stefon Diggs typify a roster that has bought into new coach Mike Vrabel's approach. He knows playoff football well, having won three Super Bowls with the Patriots as a player and guiding the Tennessee Titans to three playoff appearances in his six seasons as coach.

Cancel the confetti: One thing that might be a cause for concern is New England’s inconsistency against the run over the latter part of the season. The Patriots defense didn’t allow a 100-yard rusher in the first 11 games. But when defensive tackle Milton Williams went on injured reserve with an ankle injury for five straight games, the Patriots allowed four rushers to eclipse the century mark with him sidelined. He returned for the regular-season finale, but if teams can control the game on the ground and keep the ball out of Maye’s hands for long stretches, it could add up to a short postseason for New England.

“We’re not here just to get here. We have to be able to host games and compete for championships. There’s not going to be any consolation prize for anybody. We understand what we have to do.” — Vrabel.

No Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: The Jaguars are one of four NFL teams — along with Cleveland, Detroit and Houston — that have never reached the Super Bowl. Getting there in coach Liam Coen’s first season would be one of the biggest surprises in recent NFL history. Coen is the seventh head coach in NFL history to win 13 or more games in his first season, and the Jaguars are one of three teams — along with 2005 Patriots and 1999 Colts — to win 13 or more games a year after losing 13 or more. It’s the kind of turnaround that gives players and coaches plenty of confidence heading into their wild-card game against Buffalo. Recent play helps, too. Jacksonville has won eight in a row and nine of 10 since its bye while averaging 32.8 points. The only loss was the largest collapse in franchise history. That 36-29 debacle at Houston in early November still resonates two months later.

Cancel the confetti: Jacksonville has few, if any, elite playmakers on either side of the ball. The team’s only Pro Bowl selection was long snapper Ross Matiscik, and although quarterback Trevor Lawrence, linebacker Devin Lloyd, receiver Parker Washington and safety Antonio Johnson have enjoyed breakout seasons, it’s fair to wonder how far this team can go in the playoffs without any superstars.

4. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7).

Six Lombardi trophies in eight Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: Pittsburgh survived a turbulent regular season by winning four of its final five, capped by a heart-stopping Week 18 victory over rival Baltimore that gave the Steelers their first AFC North title in five years. Aaron Rodgers, in his 21st season, appears to be getting better as the temperature drops and the Steelers will have wide receiver DK Metcalf back after serving a two-game suspension for making contact with a fan in Detroit. Throw in a sometimes leaky defense that is still capable of season-shifting plays, and there’s optimism in Pittsburgh that a deep run is possible for the first time in nearly a decade.

Cancel the confetti: The Steelers have dropped six straight playoff games, most of them in blowout fashion. While longtime coach Mike Tomlin says the weight of those failures rests solely with him and not his team, for long stretches during the season, Pittsburgh looked like a playoff team in name only. The offense has been largely incapable of producing big plays and the pass defense is ranked 29th. Rodgers noted the belief in the locker room is high after last week’s stirring rally against Baltimore. Still, the Steelers have been so uneven over the past four months that the idea they can somehow string together four wins seems like a big stretch.

“It’s not about the organization or myself. It’s about this collective, and quite frankly, most of these men don’t care about the last whatever years that you mentioned (without playoff success). Most of them are new to us, and so that’s where my focus is. I’m certainly not going to unpack my bags on the collective’s bed, if you will.” — Tomlin.

5. HOUSTON TEXANS (12-5).

No Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: The Texans have never reached the Super Bowl or even the conference title game, but the team’s powerful defense gives them hope that this could be their year as they enter the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak. The unit, led by stars Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley held teams to 17.3 points and 277.2 yards per game this season to set franchise marks in both categories. The Texans rank third in the NFL with 29 takeaways and their consistent defensive play helped them overcome losing QB C.J. Stroud to a concussion for three games midseason and rally from an 0-3 start to make the postseason for a third straight year.

Cancel the confetti: While the defense has been the best in the NFL this season, the offense never really took off with new coordinator Nick Caley and ranks in the middle of the pack. The group was slowed by a season-long injury to running back Joe Mixon and an ineffective performance by backup Nick Chubb. Rookie Woody Marks has had some success, but will need to improve to help the team be more effective in the red zone. Houston has struggled in that area throughout the season and ranks 30th in the NFL by scoring touchdowns on just 46.30% of its trips inside the 20.

“Our team has been through a lot. What I would say about our team is it really doesn’t matter any way the game shapes up. Whatever we need to do to win the game, we find a way to win the game.” — coach DeMeco Ryans.

6.

No Lombardi trophies in four Super Bowl appearances.

Lift the Lombardi: Josh Allen is coming off two weeks of rest and oversees a balanced offense that features the NFL’s rushing champion in James Cook. The fourth-year running back’s more prominent role this season has taken the load off Allen having to do it all on his own. The late-season addition of Brandin Cooks adds a much-needed speed element to a receiving group that had difficulty stretching the field.

Cancel the confetti: Allen still has a propensity to want to do it all on his own. Though he’s twice rallied Buffalo from double-digit fourth-quarter deficits this season, Allen’s also shown signs of pressing and impatience. He’s been sacked a career-high 40 times, and is 3-5 when committing one giveaway, and 1-4 in outings he’s had two turnovers. Buffalo’s bend-but-don’t-break defense has broken too often in allowing 2,315 yards rushing. Buffalo has lost all five road playoff games under coach Sean McDermott, and is 0-8 — not counting two neutral site Super Bowl losses — since winning at Miami in the 1992 AFC championship game.

“We take a lot of pride in what we’ve done here. And nobody has more internal drive and internal expectations than I do or we do. And very confident in who we are. There’s one thing that remains. We know what that is.” — McDermott on Buffalo failing to make a Super Bowl appearance since he took over in 2017.

No Lombardi trophies in one Super Bowl appearance.

Lift the Lombardi: The Chargers are coming off their second consecutive 11-win season and postseason berth under coach Jim Harbaugh. QB Justin Herbert will be playing with a broken left hand (non-throwing) after resting for the regular-season finale against Denver. He racked up 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. The Chargers have a trio of receivers with at least 50 catches, 700 receiving yards and four TD catches in Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey.

Cancel the confetti: The banged-up offensive line has been an issue all season. Rashawn Slater was lost in the preseason and then Joe Alt went down six games in. Only Zion Johnson played all 17 games. Herbert went through the wringer nearly every week and still played at a high level despite having surgery on his broken hand. The Chargers rested him and several other starters in Week 18 in the hopes of having fresh bodies for the playoffs. But the O-line will have to better protect Herbert if the Chargers hope to win their first playoff game since 2018.

“I’m sure the more they watch Justin, they realize, 'Wow, he’s even better than we thought he was.’” — Harbaugh on the Patriots scouting Herbert.

Ravens interview 2 Broncos assistants for coaching vacancy: Vance Joseph and Davis Webb

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have interviewed two Denver Broncos coordinators for their head coaching vacancy.

The Ravens said Thursday they'd talked to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and passing game coordinator Davis Webb. They were the first completed interviews the team announced after firing longtime coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday. The Broncos have a first-round bye this week after earning the top seed in the AFC.

The 53-year-old Joseph is in his second coaching stint with the Broncos. He has more than two decades of experience as an NFL coach. Joseph was Denver's head coach in 2017 and 2018, going 11-21 in two seasons before being fired. He was Arizona's defensive coordinator from 2019-22 before returning to the Broncos in that same role.

Joseph has also been a defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins and coached defensive backs for the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers.

The 30-year-old Webb played quarterback in the NFL a bit before becoming the QBs coach in Denver in 2023.

Avs defenseman Josh Manson has fight, 2 goals and 2 assists with dad watching

DENVER (AP) — Josh Manson treated his father to quite a show and joined him in the exclusive Gordie Howe hat trick club.

The Colorado Avalanche defenseman had two goals, two assists and a fight in an 8-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night with his father in attendance.

His dad, longtime NHL defenseman Dave Manson, also accomplished the feat during his playing career, which spanned 16 seasons.

“He’s seen me fight. He’s seen me score, but I don’t think he’s ever seen well, actually, nobody’s ever seen that before from me in the NHL,” Manson said. “It was a first for everybody, including myself.”

Manson got his night started with a first-period fight with Ottawa defenseman Tyler Kleven. Truth be known, Manson wasn't actively seeking to engage in a fight. Kleven had a clean hit on Manson's teammate, Ivan Ivan. but Manson wanted to ignite his team, which entered the game in a two-game slide.

“I presented myself there if he wanted,” explained Manson, who had the first two-goal game of his career. "I felt like it was a good time for our team. ... (Kleven) obliged.”

Soon after the penalty expired, Manson scored the first goal of the contest. He had an assist on Makar’s goal in the second period to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick.

“Wow, that was something,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. "I mean, he had a Gordie Howe hat trick early in the second period and then he just kept coming. He was involved in everything tonight.

“The physicality of the game, and what we normally evaluate him on, the defending and all that, was good. And then on the offensive side of it, he just had a fantastic night. He was a big part of our win tonight.”

Manson was a fight away from a double Gordie Howe hat trick. Or a goal away from his first regular hat trick.

"It’s a funny business," Manson said. “Some nights you feel great and you’re minus-three, and some nights you just feel OK things are going in for you.”

This game changed momentum in the second period with the Avalanche leading 3-1. The Senators appeared to score only to have the Avalanche successfully challenge for offside. Colorado seized the momentum and reeled off five straight goals to take all the drama out of the contest and improve to 18-0-2 at home.

Colorado tied a franchise record for goals in a period with six in the second.

“It's kind of one of those things," Manson said, “where you start rolling.”

Northern Colorado defeats Idaho State 85-72

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — Zack Bloch's 26 points helped Northern Colorado defeat Idaho State 85-72 on Thursday.

Bloch added three steals for the Bears (11-5, 1-2 Big Sky Conference). Brock Wisne shot 6 for 8, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc to add 17 points. Ibu Yamakazi finished with 16 points.

Jamison Guerra led the Bengals (8-8, 1-2) in scoring, finishing with 26 points. Cheikh Sow added 10 points and 12 rebounds for Idaho State. Gus Etchison also recorded 10 points.