NFL's playoff picture is a nightmare scenario for Broncos

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.

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

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-6)
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
7. Denver Broncos (9-6)

In the Hunt

1. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
2. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
3. 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.