Everything went against the Denver Broncos (9-6) in the AFC’s playoff race in Week 16.
The Broncos had two scenarios to clinch a playoff berth this past weekend. Denver could have secured a playoff spot with a win OR with losses/ties by the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts.
The Broncos ended up losing 34-27 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, then the Dolphins, Bengals and Colts all won on Sunday.
Denver is currently the seventh and final seed in the AFC, setting up a nightmare scenario for the first round of the NFL playoffs. If the season ended today, the Broncos would face the Buffalo Bills (the No. 2 seed) in the Wild Card round.
If the NFL season ended today, the Broncos would face the Bills in the first round of the playoffs (matchups via ESPN). pic.twitter.com/d5WQbiQkdk
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) December 23, 2024
Denver can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday with a win over the Bengals.
Here’s a look at the AFC’s current playoff picture going into Week 17.
AFC Playoff Picture
- Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
- Buffalo Bills (12-3)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
- Houston Texans (9-6)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
- Denver Broncos (9-6)
In the Hunt
- Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
- Miami Dolphins (7-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
If the Broncos don’t beat Cincinnati, the playoff race will come down to the final week of the regular season. Over the next two weeks, Denver needs one win or losses/ties from each of the Bengals, Dolphins and Colts. Right now, it’s looking like a Broncos-Bills matchup in Round 1.
