DENVER — As the playoffs approach, the Broncos returned home for Monday's prime-time game against the Bengals looking to escape from a dark funk. Second-half struggles in consecutive losses to the Raiders and Steelers threatened to send the Broncos spiraling as they looked to close out the season.
They needed a quick return to form, and they got just that with an emotional 20-17 overtime victory that clinched a playoff spot and erased any concern that the Broncos would fall flat to end the calendar year.
"We just needed this, emotionally," outside linebacker Von Miller said.