The Broncos can end their 8-year playoff drought with a win over the Chiefs’ backups

DENVER — The Denver Broncos can erase nearly a decade of frustration and futility by beating a Kansas City Chiefs team that will be resting Patrick Mahomes and several other starters Sunday. With the Chiefs having secured the AFC’s top seed and lone playoff bye, coach Andy Reid decided an extended break — up to 24 days — could go a long way toward helping Kansas City in its quest for an unparalleled three-peat as Super Bowl champs. “But I still go out there and expect to win.” The Broncos just want to get back to the postseason party, which they’ve missed out on every year since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season in Peyton Manning’s final game. “But in terms of a storybook thing that you couldn’t really write up any better, I think this is the best opportunity that we could have to go in and solidify why we deserve to be in the dance.” Drought buster The Broncos have already ended one ignominious streak with their ninth win, which gave them their first winning season since 2016. We just have to go take it.” Big block The Broncos stood toe-to-toe with the Chiefs for 59:59 in Week 10 at Arrowhead Stadium before Alex Forsyth was bulldozed by a wave of Kansas City defenders and allowed linebacker Leo Chenal to block Wil Lutz’s chip-shot field goal attempt as time expired, preserving Kansas City’s 16-14 win.