The Denver Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

In a funny twist, the Chiefs can knock the Bengals out of the postseason before the bracket is even set. All they have to do is lose the regular-season finale in Denver to ensure the Broncos reach the postseason and the Bengals stay out of it — a task made easier with Mahomes and a host of top-flight starters expected to sit out the game.

Andy Reid nearly crushed the playoff dreams of a division rival while leading a team of reserves in 2013, a cautionary tale for Denver.