We know the current AFC picture (the Broncos are the #2 seed). We know the Broncos have a good chance of a first-round bye, and about a 1/3 chance of that precious first seed.
Now we know how the Broncos can clinch a playoff spot as early as this week. Merry Christmas indeed!
According to the NFL, these are the Broncos' clinching scenarios for Week 14.
Denver clinches AFC West division with:
- DEN win + KC loss or tie OR
- DEN tie + KC loss
Denver clinches a playoff spot with:
- DEN win + NYJ loss or tie OR
- DEN win + PIT loss or tie OR
- DEN tie + NYJ loss OR
- DEN tie + PIT loss
The Broncos play the Raiders this Sunday (here's everything we know). The Chiefs play the Chargers, where Kansas City are whopping 10-point favorites. The Jets (-7) play the Titans, and the Steelers are three-point underdogs to the Bengals in Cincinnati.
So according to the odds, the Broncos may clinch a playoff spot this week, but their fifth consecutive AFC West title may have to wait.
But who knows? Football is gloriously random.