The Denver Broncos are one win away from finding themselves making their first post-season appearance since the Super Bowl 50 season and a nine-year drought would suddenly be snapped. Winning on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs is the only surefire guarantee way in, but the playoff picture for the final Wildcard spot has become interesting.
Denver Broncos playoff scenarios revealed for Week 18
The battle for the final AFC Wildcard spot is up for grabs between the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals. Thankfully for Denver, the New York Giants and former Broncos’ QB Drew Lock knocked the Indianapolis Colts out of the mix, which leaves the wildcard race up to three teams.
Let’s take a look at what the Broncos need to do in order to make it into the postseason. They can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday with a win against the Kansas City Chiefs, which is the path that is the most important for them. Say they lose to Kansas City on Sunday, Denver could make it into the post-season if the Dolphins AND the Bengals lose or tie.
The Bengals will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday Night, and if the Steelers win, Cincinnati will be eliminated.
If the Bengals look to secure a post-season bid as the 7th seed, they need a handful of things to go right for them. The Bengals would make it in if they beat the Steelers on Saturday + the Broncos lose on Sunday to the Chiefs + the Dolphins lose or tie with the New York Jets on Sunday.
For the Dolphins, they have an easier path than the Bengals do. If the Dolphins are going to sneak in and upend the Broncos for the 7th seed, all they need to do is beat the Jets on Sunday and a Broncos loss.
This is the final shot for the Denver Broncos to control their own destiny. Just win, plain and simple. That’s the path.
