If the NFL playoffs started today, the Denver Broncos would hold the seventh and final seed in the AFC.
With a 9-6 record, the Broncos have a crucial showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals on deck this weekend. The Bengals are 7-8 and need a victory to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Former Philadelphia Eagles and Broncos legend Brian Dawkins believes the Broncos will close the deal and become playoff-bound.
“I’m going to say yes, but it’s more because I believe the Kansas City Chiefs will handle their business to keep the No. 1 seed and rest their players [in Week 18],” Dawkins said in a recent interview with RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi.
Since that interview, the Chiefs have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so they are expected to rest their starters against Denver in Week 18. The Broncos need just one more win (or tie) to clinch a playoff spot.
“[T]hat gives Denver a little bit more of a chance of beating them anyway at home,” Dawkins said of KC resting starters. “I believe Andy Reid will rest those guys, that they won’t have the full squad out there.”
The Broncos will look to beat the Bengals on Saturday to clinch a playoff spot before hosting the Chiefs to wrap up the regular season.
