Broncos Return Home to Empower Field for High-Stakes Divisional Clash With Chiefs
As the Denver Broncos prepare for a critical Week 8 rematch against the Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High, team leadership and players are pointing directly to their home turf as a primary competitive edge. The AFC West rivals meet for the second time this season, following a Week 1 opening loss at Arrowhead Stadium.
Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the tangible disruption that Denver’s home environment creates for opposing offenses. Our home games have been amazing,
Payton said Wednesday. It’s hard to measure the end results, but it’s been significant. Our crowd noise, all of that just adds stress to the operation. … I think in a game like this, it’s significant.
Building a Fortress in the Mile High Altitude
The numbers support the team’s reliance on home-field advantage. The Broncos currently stand at 3-0 at Empower Field at Mile High this season, having notched victories over the Jaguars, Rams and Seahawks. Two of those wins required overcoming double-digit deficits in the second half, and two occurred during prime-time slots. Across a broader span, Denver has secured 16 wins in its last 17 regular-season home games and boasts an 11-1 record at home since the start of the 2025 season—the best mark in the NFL in that span. Under Payton’s tenure, the Broncos also hold a 3-0 home record against the Chiefs.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto highlighted the unique environmental factors that visiting teams must deal with upon arriving in Colorado. Obviously, it’s not easy to come play at [Empower Field at] Mile High, dealing with the altitude,
Bonitto said. You know how loud the fans get here, how crazy they can be. It’s an advantage for us on defense, whether it’s them struggling to get the calls in [or] up front, us being able to have an advantage getting off the rock.
Broncos Target Sixth Win to Capture Divisional Lead
Despite the rivalry and the visible playoff implications, players have maintained a disciplined approach to the preparation week. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton told reporters Wednesday that the fixture remains the most important one because it’s the next one,
a sentiment echoed by quarterback Bo Nix regarding the team’s strict next-game mentality.
A victory would lift the Broncos to a 6-2 record, placing them in first place in the AFC West entering Week 9. While acknowledging that the campaign remains in its early stages, Payton noted that divisional outcomes directly influence the path toward the organization’s overarching goals: winning the division, earning the best possible playoff seed and winning a championship.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey reinforced the distinct reputation that the stadium has cultivated around the league over recent seasons. I would argue the two places are as hard to play [at] as there is in the country and the NFL,
McGlinchey said. Arrowhead is obviously a really tough place to play. And our place in the last couple years has become, I think, one of the hardest places to play. Obviously, the crowd noise, but also our elemental advantage here — the altitude — is pretty awesome.
