Denver Post Broncos beat reporter Parker Gabriel and Ryan McFadden are joined by columnist Troy Renck to set up the final week of the regular season. The Broncos most likely need a win Sunday afternoon against Kansas City — featuring backups at several positions — to make the AFC playoff field.

The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, and Denver coach Sean Payton isn't concerned that the opposition won't be at full strength. Denver (9-7) plays host to the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1),

After back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos now find themselves in a must-win situation entering Week 18 if they wish to make the playoffs. And while the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to rest many of their starters, that doesn't mean the Broncos should take anything for granted.

Denver #Broncos head coach Sean Payton comments on Kansas City #Chiefs potentially resting starters in Week 18 | @EdEastonJr

The coach said he's pondered his decision after Saturday's OT loss to the Bengals, but his team now must focus on a win-and-in finale.

The Denver Broncos–Cincinnati Bengals game had NFL fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, especially in overtime. But overtime could've been avoided if the Broncos would've gone for a two-point conversion instead of an extra point to end regulation.

The Chiefs will hold out quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the regular-season finale to keep the squad healthy for a run at a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

The Denver Broncos control their destiny heading into Week 18. Denver is 9-7 heading into their biggest game of the season to close out their schedule. The Broncos had a chance to lock up their playoff spot in Week 17,

With a win on Sunday, the Denver Broncos can end their eight-season drought of not making the AFC playoffs. The two previous opportunities for Denver (9-7) didn’t go as planned, but that matters not with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.