The Denver Broncos control their own destiny and have a chance to secure the top seed in the AFC Playoffs with a win this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. What does the AFC look like after Week 17?

State of the AFC after Denver Broncos win in Week 17

The parallels of the 2015 season are there for the 2025 Denver Broncos, and Week 18’s matchup against the Chargers is the ultimate callback. In 2015, the Broncos had to beat the Chargers to clinch the top seed and homefield advantage — 10 years later, the story is the same.

The road to the Super Bowl could very well come through the Mile High City.

1.) Denver Broncos – 13-3

The Broncos can finish no lower than the #3 seed in the NFL Playoffs. A loss to the Chargers would drop them to the three seed, unless both the Patriots and Jaguars lose in Week 18.

Don’t try to bank on that. Just beat Los Angeles and clinch homefield advantage.

2.) New England Patriots – 13-3

The Patriots blasted the Jets 42-10 with ease on Sunday. They’ll close out the regular season with a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

3.) Jacksonville Jaguars – 12-4 

The Jaguars survived Philip Rivers and the Colts on Sunday and will close out their season at home this week against the Tennessee Titans.

4.) Pittsburgh Steelers – 9-7

Worst division in the AFC. The Steelers, without D.K. Metcalf, couldn’t beat Shedeur Sanders and the Browns. They’ll face off against the Baltimore Ravens this week in a winner-takes-all division matchup.

5.) Houston Texans – 11-5

The Texans went into Los Angeles and got after Justin Herbert en route to winning on the road. They’ll conclude their regular season with a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at home.

6.) Los Angeles Chargers – 11-5 

The Chargers are banged up heading into the playoffs. With the Bills losing, do the Chargers have much to play for? They’ll be on the road regardless for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers rest some starters vs. Denver.

7.) Buffalo Bills – 11-5 

The Bills might be the most interesting team in the NFL, and they’re scary despite how vulnerable they are. They’ll finish their regular season with a home matchup against the low, low, low New York Jets.