The Broncos are headed to the playoffs for the first time in nine years and head coach Sean Payton is firing back at critics of the team.

The third path could see Denver back into the playoffs thanks to losses by both the Dolphins and Bengals. If Miami and Cincinnati both lose this weekend, the Broncos would make the playoffs even if they lose to the Chiefs and finish the season with a 9-8 record.

"It's fun to do something like that ... just kind of a great story,'' Nix said of his victory lap and high-fiving fans. "And our goal wasn't just to make the playoffs even though it hasn't been done in a while;