The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers entered the playoffs with optimism after competitive performances against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, both teams faced disappointing wild-card defeats, highlighting the gap between them and the Chiefs, who have dominated the AFC West.

The Broncos, despite ending an eight-year playoff drought, were eliminated after a 38-0 victory over Kansas City’s backups, while the Chargers lost 32-12 to the Houston Texans. Both teams struggled to maintain leads and faced questions about their progress against the Chiefs.