The Broncos only have 16 total giveaways this season — the 10th-fewest — and Nix is consistently very careful with the ball. Another game of lackadaisical ball handling, though, could give the Chiefs just the sliver of daylight needed to kick the door open and upset the Broncos.

In his first game back since his 2023 ACL injury, Delarrin Turner-Yell suffered another knee injury. He's now on reserve.

The Broncos' quarterback could certainly benefit on Thursday from a strong running game — rookie RJ Harvey posted a career high in scrimmage yards in Week 16 — and an impressive defensive performance. But in a critical game, Nix's ability to create could be a key difference.

Denver Broncos' coach starting to get plenty of buzz as a head coaching candidate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Denver Broncos may have multiple coaches on their sideline being considered for head coaching gigs in 2026.

Elsewhere on the ex-Bronco front, guard Netane Muti was cut from the Detroit Lions ' practice squad, the Los Angeles Chargers signed running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad and the New England Patriots cut practice squad offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez.

The Denver Broncos need to take the time to reflect after this loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and study the film to rebound. The Broncos have been doubted all season long, which seemed to give them an edge.

Denver's AFC No. 1 seed hopes falter after a critical loss. A brutal remaining schedule and tiebreaker woes threaten their top spot.

The Jacksonville Jaguars snapped the Denver Broncos ' 11-game winning streak on Sunday with a 34-20 upset win at Empower Field at Mile High. Jacksonville improved to 11-4 with the victory and Denver dropped to 12-3.