The Denver Broncos (9-7) haven’t clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs just yet, but the AFC’s playoff picture is starting to come into focus.
The Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) have secured the No. 1 seed in the conference and they are expected to rest their starters against the Broncos in Week 18.
Right below the Chiefs are the Buffalo Bills (13-3), who have clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC. That’s an unfortunate development for the Broncos.
Denver’s only hope of making the playoffs would be as the AFC’s seventh and final seed. Because the No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye, the No. 2 seed faces the No. 7 seed in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
That means the Broncos would travel to Buffalo to face Josh Allen and the Bills on the road in the first round — if they qualify for the playoffs.
AFC Playoff Picture
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
- Buffalo Bills (13-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
- Houston Texans (9-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
- Denver Broncos (9-7)
In the Hunt
- Miami Dolphins (8-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
The Broncos can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. If Denver does not beat KC, the Broncos would need help from the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins to get in.
