NFL
This is what the Broncos need in week 18 to clinch the AFC final wild-card spot: Every possible outcome
Denver face the Patrick Mahomes-less Chiefs in week 18, their third chance to clinch the playoffs ahead of the Dolphins and the Bengals.
It will be make or break for a number of teams in week 18 of the 2024 NFL regular season, including the Denver Broncos, who are looking to secure the final AFC wild-card spot when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday (January 5, kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET).
The Broncos (9-7) have long been resigned to the fact they had no chance of winning the AFC West, which the Chiefs (15-1) have had wrapped up for several weeks. The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) have also sealed their playoff place, although there is still room for Denver to join their division rivals in the postseason.
What happens if the Broncos beat the Chiefs?
As it stands, the Broncos are one game ahead of both the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals, who are both 8-8. In the simplest of terms, Sean Payton’s team will clinch a wild-card spot with a victory over the Chiefs, no questions asked.
That could be easier said than done, however, despite Patrick Mahomes’ expected absence. Denver have already had two chances to seal the deal but lost back-to-back games against the Chargers and the Bengals.
What happens if the Broncos tie against the Chiefs?
The Broncos will also be in should they tie Sunday’s game against Kansas City, which is unlikely, admittedly.
Only seven NFL games have ended in a tie (after overtime) since overtime was shortened to 10 minutes in 2017, the last of which was in December 2022. Maybe we’re due one.
What happens if the Broncos lose to the Chiefs?
Matters get slightly complicated if Denver loses to the Chiefs.
Should that happen and the Dolphins beat the New York Jets, Miami will qualify for the postseason because they will have a better record against AFC opponents than the Broncos do.
The only hope of the Bengals getting in is if they defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and both the Broncos and the Dolphins lose.
What happens if the Broncos, Dolphins and Bengals all lose in week 18?
If all three teams lose (or tie), Denver will make the playoffs due to their superior overall record, which is where we currently stand.
Broncos' potential seed and wild-card round opponent
The Broncos (or the Dolphins/Bengals) can do no better than finish as No. 7 seed and already know they will face the Buffalo Bills, who will be the No. 2 seed, in the wild-card round if they qualify.
Denver is hoping to end a run of eight consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs. They haven’t featured in the postseason since 2015, the year they won the last of their three Super Bowls.
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