When the Denver Broncos beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, Broncos fans felt it was proof of the team’s contender status. While the quarter-to-quarter consistency put that claim into question, it still was the team’s biggest win since Super Bowl 50.

At least until Denver hosted and defeated the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday. This win, though, is proof that Denver’s brand might be enough to help them string together a playoff run.

Today’s Hottest Take: Broncos Might Have What It Takes to Contend

Depending on who you ask, the idea of Denver contending for the Super Bowl is either an obvious possibility or a complete joke. Sunday’s 22-19 win supports Denver’s ability to contend, but it’s still not enough to feel wholly confident.

At this point, Denver’s brand of football is close, gritty games, where the Broncos play clean and come up clutch. That’s a tough style to consistently be able to pull off, though. When it comes to the postseason, the one-possession game warriors often see earlier exits than teams that know how to put their opponents away, but Denver has consistently proven an ability to win these kinds of games this season. Last year, the Broncos were on the opposite side of these kinds of games, but this year has been a different story.

It seems coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix know how to perform in these moments. Nix knows he needs to protect the ball, and Payton is great at opening up Nix’s first or second read quickly.

But what made this win different from the close victory over the Eagles was that this looked like the same team for all four quarters. When Denver defeated Philadelphia, the Broncos were a disaster offensively for most of the game.

Against the Chiefs, the win wasn’t easy, but the Broncos looked competent for the whole game while still managing to turn it on at the end. What helped was the offensive targets coming up when it mattered most. Second-year Troy Franklin had a couple of key catches, including the play that got Wil Lutz and the Broncos into comfortable field goal range.

Rookie Pat Bryant had the best game of his young career with five catches for 82 yards. Veteran Courtland Sutton had a couple of crucial first downs, including two on third downs on the final drive of the game. Denver’s weapons have continued to develop for Nix, giving Nix more security in big moments.

What You Need to Know: Sunday’s Win Puts Denver In Prime Position to Win Division

With Kansas City going for its 10th straight division title, Broncos fans were starting to forget what it’s like to end the season at the top of the division standings. Denver’s win over the Chiefs makes the possibility of winning the AFC West much more real.

In fact, Denver currently leads the entire conference. With just a couple more wins, it would be mathematically impossible for the Chiefs to climb back and claim the division. The Los Angeles Chargers still are just two games behind, but a win over the Chargers in their second meeting of the season, in Week 18, could be enough to clinch the division.

While being a Denver Broncos fan hasn’t allowed for many opportunities to think ahead to the playoffs over the last decade, Denver is now starting to play for seeding. Ending as the top seed in the conference would give the Broncos home-field advantage up to the Super Bowl and give them a bye in Week 1.

But at this point, even getting home-field advantage in the wildcard round could be enough to get Denver its first playoff victory since Super Bowl 50.

Before You Go: Losing J.K. Dobbins Is a Big Blow to Offense

While Denver is mostly trending in the right direction, losing J.K. Dobbins for the rest of the season is a big deal. Rookie RJ Harvey was slowly adjusting to the pros, but now he is needed to fulfill a larger role.

Dobbins’ absence also means more time on the field for Jaleel McLaughlin. Harvey and McLaughlin are good athletes and dangerous players, but Dobbins’ consistent production was the calm the Denver offense often needed.

If Harvey steps up, Denver’s offense should be fine. If the Broncos’ offense misses Dobbins too much, though, Nix could have to bear the weight of the offense more than he already does.