Good start, painful finish. But for the first time in a while, the Broncos faithful actually believe in the future.

The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, and Denver coach Sean Payton ... Bengals lose or tie this weekend. "I've got a lot of confidence in the team," Payton said.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean ... A tie Saturday would've given Denver the final AFC playoff spot, ending the Bengals' playoff chances. "We spent some time thinking about … going for 2," Payton ...

RELATED: Broncos’ four-game winning streak snapped, postseason aspirations delayed in penalty-marred, 34-27 loss to Chargers Broncos coach Sean Payton entered ... The sea of orange was cascading ...