The Denver Broncos head into the final week of the regular season with two storylines intersecting at once: a tightening AFC playoff race and a contract incentive quietly hanging in the balance.
Denver, now crowned AFC West champions in 2025 after snapping the Kansas City Chiefs’ long run atop the division, controls its path toward the No. 1 seed behind quarterback Bo Nix.
That momentum was underscored during a recent mic’d-up segment on Inside The NFL, when Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce shared words with Nix after their Christmas night matchup. Kelce told Nix,
“You’re a hell of a competitor, man. You already know. Love playing against you every single time, dog. Do your thing, baby, alright? Go get you one, man.”
The exchange came as Kansas City closed its home schedule with a loss, a game that carried added weight amid speculation surrounding Kelce’s future at Arrowhead Stadium.
For Denver, the focus remains on positioning. The Broncos can lock up the AFC’s top seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage with a win or tie combined with specific results involving the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the playoff picture dominates the headlines, an individual subplot has added a human element inside the locker room.
Adam Trautman incentive adds another layer to Denver’s finale
Tight end Adam Trautman enters the season finale five receptions short of triggering a $125,000 bonus, as reported by Spotrac.com. Coach Sean Payton acknowledged the challenge with a light remark, saying,
“He needs five, but that’s what he averages a year, so that could be tough.”
Through 16 games, Trautman has recorded 20 catches for 195 yards and one touchdown, averaging 1.3 receptions per outing.
His busiest target total was four against Washington, with three targets in three other contests. Reaching five catches likely requires a rare spike in usage, especially with the Los Angeles Chargers aware of the incentive.
Nix confirmed the team’s awareness of the situation, adding,
“Now the defense is going to be thinking we’re going to target ‘Traut’ the whole time. So I think it’s good… I think that is all the more reason we want to get it for him.”
As Denver balances playoff leverage with competitive integrity, the incentive chase reflects a broader theme of trust and chemistry. The Broncos are playing for more than standings, blending team goals with individual moments that resonate across a long season.