NFL Playoff Picture: Broncos control AFC destiny following win and Patriots loss

The New England Patriots dropped another game one week after Denver broke their spirit last week. The Philadelphia Eagles went into New England and downed Tom Brady and the Pats 35 - 28. Big thanks to Philly for helping Denver out by dropping the Pat to 10 - 2.

Denver of course went into Denver West (aka San Diego) to take down Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers with a dominating defensive performance 17 - 3 in a game that was never close. This brings our record to 10 - 2.

1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-2)
2. Denver Broncos (10-2)
3. New England Patriots (10-2)
4. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)*
5. Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)
6. New York Jets (7-5)

*6-5 record pending Sunday Night Football results, Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

As it stands, Denver is now in the #2 seed in the AFC behind the Cincinnati Bengals who are now also 10 - 2 along with NE (which we of course hold the tie breaker over since we've beaten the soundly head-to-head).

Week 16 has Cincinnati coming to Denver for what is shaping up to be the most significant AFC regular season game of the season yet to be played. This puts Denver's playoff hopes firmly in their own hands. Win out, and the Broncos have the #1 seed in the AFC.