Broncos' predicted playoff X-factor has held that role all season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sean Payton gave Denver Broncos fans a word of encouragement on Friday, revealing that "most" of the team's injured players will be good to go for the Divisional Round of the playoffs. "I think we see most everyone back,

The NFL has six wild-card playoff games on deck this weekend. The Broncos are set to host a divisional game next weekend.

Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders ( foot) returned to practice on Saturday, starting his 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster. If Sanders is not activated by Jan. 30, he will revert to IR for the rest of the season (only the Super Bowl would remain at that point in the season).

Devon Key joined five fellow Broncos on the Associated Press All-Pro Team. Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) reacts with safety Devon Key (26) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos officially designated LB Drew Sanders to return from injured reserve on Saturday.  This officially opens a three-week window of time for the team to activate Sanders or he would revert back to injured reserve and miss the remainder of the season.

Step one of the climb was the AFC West title, which the Broncos locked up in Week 17. Step two was to secure the highest seed possible, which Denver pulled off in Week 18 with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Step three is the summit: winning Super Bowl LX.

The Denver Broncos are pretty good at winning ugly. They tied a franchise record with 14 victories but didn't exactly roll over their opponents. Eleven of their victories required comebacks and the same number were by one score.

Before Denver's postseason run begins, revisit the Broncos' journey from the start of the regular season to earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC.