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Broncos Playoff Chances: Scenarios for How Denver Makes NFL Postseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 5, 2025 1:06 PM ET

Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season has major playoff implications for many teams in both conferences, and the Denver Broncos could secure the final spot in the AFC on Sunday afternoon.

Bo Nix, the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft out of Oregon, has been one of the biggest surprises in the entire league. The rookie quarterback has thrown for 3,454 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on a 65.1 completion percentage heading into Week 18.

The Denver defense has been just as impressive, boasting one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, tallying 58 sacks through 16 games (3.6/game), good for the most in the league. Cornerback Pat Surtain has also become one of the premiere defenders as well.

So, how do the Broncos get into the postseason?

Fortunately for Sean Payton and company, they have the best chances to make it, only having to do one thing to get in: Defeat the Kansas City Chiefs at home.

Broncos chances of playoffs with a win: 100%
Broncos chances of playoffs with a loss: 0%

And we wouldn't want it any other way pic.twitter.com/nGaqqlkYOJ
— Nix is Next (@BO_MENTUM) January 5, 2025

Sure, that sounds like a difficult task, as the Chiefs own the league's best record (15-1) and have won the previous two Super Bowls. However, with Kansas City already clinching the AFC's No. 1 seed, it has already ruled quarterback Patrick Mahomes out. The Chiefs will likely be resting a majority of their starters as well, with players like Travis Kelce, Trent McDuffie and Chris Jones listed as doubtful.

With a win over Kansas City, Denver would own the No. 7 seed in the AFC and would face the No. 2 seed Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round next weekend.

According to The Athletic's NFL playoff projections , Denver has a 72% chance to get into the playoffs, well ahead of the Miami Dolphins (21%) and the Cincinnati Bengals (7%). However, if the Broncos lose the game, they will be eliminated after the Bengals secured a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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