The Broncos can almost taste their first playoff appearance since winning the Super Bowl in 2015.
After years of disappointing results, Denver entered Week 17 of the 2024 season at 9-6, a record good enough to hold the AFC's final playoff position. But after a loss to the Bengals, Sean Payton and the Broncos still have some work to do to lock in their spot.
What does the Broncos' path to the postseason look like? Here's what Denver has to do to make the playoffs.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 17
Broncos playoff picture
Denver had been rolling in the second half of the season before Week 16, taking a four-game winning streak into its 34-27 loss to the Chargers. That winning streak gave the Broncos a strong chance at finishing the year in the postseason. But a loss to the Bengals in Week 17 leaves three AFC teams still fighting for the Broncos' current seventh seed.
Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati are all outside the current AFC playoff picture but alive in the race.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Chiefs | 15-1 |
| 2 | Bills | 12-3 |
| 3 | Ravens | 11-5 |
| 4 | Texans | 9-6 |
| 5 | Steelers | 10-6 |
| 6 | Chargers | 10-6 |
| 7 | Broncos | 9-7 |
| 8 | Bengals | 8-8 |
| 9 | Dolphins | 7-8 |
| 10 | Colts | 7-8 |
The Broncos can clinch a playoff berth with a Week 18 win or tie.
With the Broncos holding an advantage over the Colts, Dolphins and Bengals, any result but a loss will put them in the postseason. Losing out, though, would put Denver at a serious risk of falling out of the picture.
Broncos remaining 2024 schedule
Although one win could put them in the playoffs, the Broncos do have a tough end-of-season schedule. They'll face the AFC's top-seeded Chiefs in Week 18. However, with Kansas City having nothing to play for, Denver has a much better chance of winning that game.
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Broncos' updated playoff chances
Entering Week 17, ESPN's power index gives Denver a 75.1% chance at making the playoffs.
