Following their 30-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, the Denver Broncos can’t clinch a playoff spot this weekend.
The Broncos could get some assistance from two teams on Sunday, though. Denver has two possible paths to reach the postseason.
The simplest path would be to beat (or tie) the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. With the Chiefs expected to rest their key starters, the Broncos will be expected to take care of business playing at home.
If Denver does not beat (or tie) Kansas City, the Broncos could still get into the postseason with help from two (or three) other teams.
Denver would then need the Bengals and Miami Dolphins to lose or tie a game. The Indianapolis Colts could also be a factor down the stretch, but not if both Cincy and Miami drop games.
Broncos can make the NFL playoffs with:
Win or tie vs. Chiefs in Week 18
or
Bengals loss/tie
Dolphins loss/tie
Colts loss/tieColts and Dolphins play Sunday with backup QBs. Next week, Bengals face Steelers in Pittsburgh.
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) December 29, 2024
The Colts and Dolphins will both play on Sunday and then play again in Week 18. Indianapolis will be without Anthony Richardson due to injury on Sunday, so Joe Flacco will start against the New York Giants. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. So Broncos fans should root for the Giants and Browns in Week 17.
Broncos rooting guide:
- Colts vs. Giants: New York to win
- Dolphins vs. Browns: Cleveland to win
Fans in Denver will of course hope for a win next week to leave no doubt, but Colts and Dolphins losses in Week 17 would make the playoff picture a bit clearer. If both Indy and Miami fall on Sunday, the Broncos would need a win/tie or a Bengals loss/tie in Week 18 to clinch a playoff spot.
