The Denver Broncos faced a critical setback in their pursuit of the playoffs with a Christmas Eve loss to the New England Patriots, led by Bailey Zappe. Needing three consecutive wins to close out the season, the Broncos' defeat has significantly diminished their playoff chances. The loss came despite the Patriots' struggling season, with a record of 3-11 prior to the game. The Broncos' playoff hopes are now on life support, as the loss was a missed opportunity to advance in the AFC playoff race, especially after other contenders had fallen. The final score of the game was 26-23, marking a disappointing outcome for the Broncos' fans who now believe the season may be over.
#Broncos lose 26-23 to lowly Patriots and their playoff hopes are all but crushed. https://t.co/vHwmMP0ScV
Broncos four downs: Playoff hopes on life support after Bailey Zappe and Patriots hand Denver one last embarrassing home loss https://t.co/arYYKh9HHC
The Broncos had an opportunity to set themselves up in the AFC playoff race after watching three pursuers fall. Now fans think their season is toast. https://t.co/lGIorVDE0i
Broncos playoff hopes go bust on Christmas Eve after comeback falls short against Patriots https://t.co/ceibOu7eI9
Broncos playoff chances plummeted following their loss to the Patriots 📉 (h/t: @NextGenStats) https://t.co/pgrIicCkhZ
Needing three wins to close the season and hosting the 3-11 New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, the Broncos marred their own holiday weekend with a loss that all but seals their 2023 fate. Story via @ParkerJGabriel: https://t.co/vcnbXbFmoz