Broncos point to a 2023 game as reason they can upset the Bills in the playoffs
The Broncos whipped the Chiefs’ B team in the regular-season finale Sunday in Denver, and the teams could meet again in less than two weeks.
But there’s a big caveat.
That would take the seventh-seeded Broncos pulling an upset in the postseason by defeating the Bills in Buffalo in this Sunday’s Wild Card game.
Cornerback Pat Surtain outlined what the Broncos, 10-7, must do to upset the second-seeded Bills, 13-4.
“I think in order for that to happen again, we have to be the most physical team,” Surtain told reporters after beating the Chiefs. “Going to away games, the odds are not in your favor with the atmosphere. Buffalo is a great team, we all know that. We know going into this run that road is going to be tough. I think as a team and as a whole, we need to understand that playing our brand of football wins us games.
“I think — granted the opportunity we have at stake — we shouldn’t be able to go into the game and think, ‘We need to do something different to be able win this game.’ If we just play our game individually and everybody do their 1/11th, I think we come out victorious.”
Wide receiver Marvin Mims pointed to a game last season as to why the Broncos believe they can win.
Denver went to Highmark Stadium in Buffalo for a “Monday Night Football” contest on Nov. 13, 2023, and came away with a 24-22 win behind former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Denver’s defense intercepted Bills quarterback Josh Allen twice and limited him to 177 passing yards.
“I think Buffalo is a tough atmosphere to go (to), especially in the playoffs later in the year,” receiver Marvin Mims told reporters. “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 prime-time 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.”
Broncos coach Sean Payton mentioned that “Monday Night Football” victory as well.
“We look forward to the challenge. They’ve had a great season,” Payton said of the Bills. “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.”
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 9:37 AM.
