The Denver Broncos are preparing for a significant matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, with major postseason implications at stake. A win would secure the top seed in the AFC, giving Denver a first-round bye and ensuring that their playoff journey begins at home in Empower Field at Mile High.
If successful, the Broncos would not only start their playoff run at home but could also host the AFC Championship Game for the first time since January 2016. This scenario would require just two home victories to reach what would be their ninth Super Bowl appearance.
“It’s two home games to get to where you want to go,” said Head Coach Sean Payton on Wednesday.
The team is relying on its fans to help create a challenging environment for visiting teams. Denver aims to finish with its best home record since an undefeated season in 2014. Tackle Mike McGlinchey praised the local support: “Our crowd has been one of the best in the world right now.”
Payton highlighted a previous game against Green Bay as a moment when fan noise made a noticeable difference and encouraged supporters to maintain that intensity during Sunday’s divisional contest. “Let’s get this [stadium], when they’re getting in the huddle, deafening,” he said.
He noted that only about four stadiums in the NFL can reach such high noise levels and emphasized how crucial this advantage can be for influencing game outcomes. “That is what is so exciting about this game and then what a win in this game can do for the next couple games,” Payton stated. “[The fans are] an active part if they want two more home games.”
Players echoed these sentiments, saying that playing in Denver presents challenges for opponents. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton stressed how important it is to secure home-field advantage: “The importance of that is not to be overlooked.”
As Denver seeks to end a three-game losing streak against Los Angeles, players hope fans will continue making Empower Field at Mile High a difficult venue for visitors. “The volume that we’re operating with … is just absolutely out of control,” McGlinchey said, “and hopefully we can keep it that way as we move forward throughout the playoffs — and hopefully give them a reason to not have to leave Denver.”
