Realistically, the Denver Broncos were likely knocked out of playoff contention when they lost to the New England Patriots 26-23 on Sunday.
Technically — and mathematically — the Broncos have not been officially eliminated from playoff contention just yet, but their odds are long. Going into the final two weeks of the regular season, Denver has a 4% chance of reaching the postseason, according to ESPN’s NFL Football Power Index.
Current Division Leaders
Baltimore Ravens (12-3)
Miami Dolphins (11-4)
Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7)
Wild Card Leaders
5. Cleveland Browns (10-5)
6. Buffalo Bills (9-6)
7. Indianapolis Colts (8-7)
In the Hunt
8. Houston Texans (8-7)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7)
11. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)
12. Denver Broncos (7-8)
The Broncos would likely need to win out and have multiple teams lose out to squeak into the playoffs as a seventh seed with a 9-8 record. While technically possible, such a scenario is extremely unlikely.
Up next for Denver is a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) in Week 17. After that, the Broncos will close out the season on the road against the Los Angeles Raiders (6-8).
If Denver wins out and Kansas City loses out, the Broncos would win the AFC West with a 9-8 record. That is obviously unlikely, but possible.
