**ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** As the Broncos return from their bye, Denver knows the opportunity that awaits in a critical matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
"That's what you work for: games like this," running back Jaleel McLaughlin said Monday. "Games that matter is what you work for. Ever since you've grown up, you watch different games on TV and you see how hard those guys are out there playing, and it's like, that's always what you want to be in. You want to be in the best games."
The Broncos' matchup with the Colts certainly qualifies, as there are massive playoff implications as the regular season enters its final stretch. According to the New York Times' playoff simulator, the Broncos' playoff odds would jump to 88 percent with a win over the Colts, while a loss would drop Denver's chances to 40 percent. While the Colts currently hold two more losses than the Broncos, the head-to-head tiebreak could matter if Indianapolis makes a run in the final weeks.
"Obviously, all of those games are going to be important," Head Coach Sean Payton said. "You want to be as healthy as possible and as rested as possible, but it starts with the game this week at home."
Despite the stakes, the Broncos are focused on continuing their weekly process that has led to eight wins over the team's last 11 games. Payton affirmed that there is "no grand message" following the bye week and said the Broncos will continue with their usual process and routine.
"I think, for us, we've just been handling every game, just focusing on that week," defensive lineman Zach Allen added. "Obviously, we've got a really good opponent this week, so we've got to make sure that we're prepared. And, I think, luckily coming off the bye week, bodies are feeling good.
"… It'll be a good matchup, and we're really excited about it. \[We're\] just trying to get our next win."
With the Broncos' next win, Denver would secure its first winning season since 2016. Payton, though, said the team's focus isn't on that milestone as the Broncos approach the final stretch.
"I don't know that one person downstairs — myself included — has thought about right now this team just having a winning season," Payton said. "I understand the question and I appreciate it, but I think our aspirations are a little higher."
Allen echoed Payton's sentiment that the Broncos' focus is solely on returning to the postseason.
"To do that, you've just got to keep on winning," Allen said. "Right now, the only team we can beat is Indianapolis. We're just really focused on going 1-0 this week."
And while McLaughlin said the Broncos approach each game with the same mindset, he acknowledged his teammates would be "fired up" for the chance to play in a game with high stakes.
"You want to play against the best," McLaughlin said. "I just feel like this team is ready. This team is ready. That'll be on display, for sure."