The Denver Broncos are currently in a strong position, holding a one-game lead over the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals for the final wild card berth. In this article, we break down how the Broncos can secure a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs during Week 18.
It feels like déjà vu for the Broncos.
For the third consecutive week, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a crucial position to clinch a playoff berth.
Despite previous setbacks, Denver still has a chance to make it to the playoffs by the end of Sunday night.
Let’s outline the scenarios that will allow the Broncos to clinch a playoff spot in Week 18, as well as the circumstances that could lead to their elimination.
Denver Broncos Playoff Berth Clinching Scenarios
Entering the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season, the Broncos boast a 9-7 record, placing them one game ahead of both the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals, the only other contenders for a playoff position in the AFC.
The Broncos can determine their own fate this weekend. A victory or tie against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon guarantees them the No. 7 seed and the final AFC playoff spot.
Furthermore, the Broncos can still clinch a playoff spot even if they lose to the Chiefs, who will be resting their starters. If the Dolphins lose or tie against the New York Jets, and the Bengals lose or tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night, the Broncos will still qualify for the playoffs.
The Broncos’ game against Kansas City is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, coinciding with the Dolphins-Jets matchup.
Denver Broncos Seeding Scenarios
It’s important to note that the Broncos can only qualify as the No. 7 seed in the AFC.
Denver Broncos Elimination Scenarios
Now for the not-so-great news. Although the Broncos control their destiny in Week 18, a loss to the Chiefs could spell elimination. If the Broncos lose, a win by either the Bengals on Saturday night or the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon will eliminate Denver from playoff contention.
AFC Standings Entering Week 18
1. z-Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. y-Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3. x-Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
4. y-Houston Texans (9-7)
5. x-Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, win over LAC)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, loss to PIT)*
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)*
8. Miami Dolphins (8-8, 6-5 AFC)*
9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8, 5-6 AFC)*
10. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) — eliminated
11. New York Jets (4-12, 4-7 AFC, win over JAX) — eliminated
12. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12, 3-8 AFC, win over JAX) — eliminated
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12, 4-7 AFC, loss to NYJ & LV) — eliminated
14. Cleveland Browns (3-13) — eliminated
15. Tennessee Titans (3-13, win over NE) — eliminated
16. New England Patriots (3-13, loss to TEN) — eliminated
