In order to make the 2023 NFL playoffs, the Denver Broncos (7-7) likely have to win out and get some help from other teams to punch a postseason ticket as a Wild Card team.
So, who should Broncos fans be rooting for this weekend? Here’s a Week 16 rooting guide for games featuring the other playoff contenders in the AFC’s Wild Card race.
Bengals (8-6) @ Steelers (7-7): Pittsburgh win
Even if the Steelers win out, the Broncos would have a tiebreaker advantage if they also win out, so a Bengals loss would benefit Denver this week.
Jaguars (8-6) @ Buccaneers (7-7): Tampa Bay win
This one is simple — Denver wants the Bucs, an NFC team, to beat the Jags, a Wild Card contender in the AFC.
Bills (8-6) @ Chargers (5-9): Los Angeles win
The best the Chargers could finish this season is 8-9, which won’t represent a threat to the Broncos if Denver wins out. It would be helpful for the Broncos if the Bills lose at least one of their last three games.
Browns (9-5) @ Texans (8-6): Cleveland win
Because the Texans have a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Broncos and the Browns already have a two-game lead, Cleveland is likely the lesser of two evils in this Wild Card contender matchup.
Colts (8-6) @ Falcons (6-8): Atlanta win
Another easy one — the NFC team (Falcons) is obviously a better winner for the Broncos than an AFC team (Colts).
Of course, the most important game of the weekend is the Broncos (7-7) against the Patriots (3-11). For the other results to matter, Denver has to take care of business in its own matchup on Christmas Eve.
