Broncos' Sean Payton joins Bill Belichick in elite club with win over Chiefs

The Denver Broncos became the first team to win 13 games this season with a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on "Thursday Night Football."

With the win, Broncos head coach Sean Payton became only the second NFL head coach to win 13 games in five different seasons. Per Pro Football Talk, only former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has more (seven) 13-win seasons.

During his postgame news conference, Payton credited his players for propelling him to so many winning seasons during his career.

“There is nothing like winning," Payton said. "When I heard that, I had trouble figuring out which were the 13-win teams. We had some other teams that were 12- or 11-win teams. 

"I have been fortunate to have really good players and real good coaches. Some of them who are right here that have been a part of all of those wins, part of those wins. Obviously, Bill is good company. Let’s keep it going.”

Sean Payton, Denver Broncos have more winning to do

The Broncos have needed all 13 wins to stay atop the AFC West with one game remaining on their schedule. Despite only having three losses, Denver has not yet clinched the division.

If the second place (11-4) Los Angeles Chargers beat the Houston Texans on Saturday, the Week 18 matchup between the Broncos and Chargers will be for the AFC West crown.

The victories are great for the Broncos and Payton, but the goal is to win a Super Bowl. Belichick had successful postseason runs with his 13-win seasons, winning six Super Bowls.

Payton has not had the same level of achievement in January and February.

Payton's one league championship came with the New Orleans Saints in 2009. (The Saints went 13-3 in the regular season that year.)  There's no doubt he'll be looking for more wins after Week 18.