Many saw 2024 as a transitional year for the Broncos, who entered the season with one of the NFL's more uncertain quarterback situations and a lack of offensive weapons beyond Courtland Sutton.
Someone must have forgotten to tell Sean Payton. The former Saints coach helped Denver overcome an 0-2 start and move firmly into the AFC playoff picture with eight wins in the team's last 11 games.
The emergence of rookie QB Bo Nix has been one of the driving factors behind the Broncos' success, and a playoff berth in year one would only add confidence that the former Oregon star can be the long-term solution for Payton. Nix struggled in Week 15, but the Denver defense stepped up to pick up a 31-13 win over Indianapolis.
Here's a look at the Broncos' playoff chances after a key Week 15 win over the Colts.
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Broncos playoff picture
AFC wild-card standings
| Seed | Team | Record |
| 5 | Ravens | 9-5 |
| 6 | Broncos | 9-5 |
| 7 | Chargers | 8-6 |
| 8 | Colts | 6-8 |
| 9 | Dolphins | 6-8 |
| 10 | Bengals | 6-8 |
| 11 | Jets | 4-10 |
| 12 | Browns | 3-11 |
| 13 | Jaguars | 3-11 |
| 14 | Titans | 3-11 |
| 15 | Patriots | 3-11 |
| 16 | Raiders | 2-11 |
Three teams will earn a wild-card berth in the AFC, and the three teams in those slots entering Week 15 happen to have identical 8-5 records.
The Broncos currently sit behind the Ravens and Chargers because they've lost to both teams. If Denver can even the season series against L.A. in Week 16, a three-team scenario would instead come down to conference record. The Broncos (5-4 vs. AFC) are tied with the Ravens (5-4) and Chargers (5-4) in that category as well at the moment.
Still, Denver's odds of reaching the playoffs are strong. The Broncos now have a three-game lead over the Colts and Dolphins. Denver would have to lose out with both of those other teams, or the Bengals winning out to lose a playoff spot.
The Broncos didn't clinch a playoff berth in Week 15, but the win set them up to potentially clinch in Week 16. Denver controls its own destiny. If it can win its remaining three games, it will clinch an at-large bid for the playoffs.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 15
Broncos remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| 16 | Dec. 19 | at Chargers | 8:15 p.m. |
| 17 | Dec. 29 | at Bengals | 1 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 5 | vs. Chiefs | TBD |
The Broncos don't have any layups down the stretch, even with two sub-.500 teams on their schedule. The Bengals (5-8) are never easy with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
Tough matchups come with opportunity, as the Broncos could be in a position to solidify themselves above the Chargers in the wild-card standings with a win in Week 16.
If it all comes down to Week 18 for Denver, whether the Chiefs are still playing for something could be pivotal. Kansas City could lock up the AFC's No. 1 seed before the final week of the season and choose to rest key starters. If the Chiefs are still playing for the No. 1 seed, that matchup will be much more difficult.
Broncos updated playoff chances
ESPN's Football Power Index rate the Broncos' playoff chances at 92.6% after a Week 15 win vs. the Colts, allowing Denver to jump the Chargers.
