After a bold claim about competing with the Chiefs, Sean Payton faces social media backlash. But could Denver's progress hint at a brighter future in the AFC West?

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton believes his team would have faired well in a potential matchup with the Chiefs.

The most lopsided of those games took place in Orchard Park, where the Broncos jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, then gave up the final 31 points of the afternoon. Denver still hasn’t won a playoff game since defeating the Carolina Panthers,