Denver Broncos Playoff Scenarios: Broncos Can Be Top Seed Or Miss Playoffs Entirely

Denver Broncos playoff scenarios cover a wide range of possible results. The latest Denver Broncos playoff scenarios range from the team clinching the top seed in the AFC Playoffs to the team missing the postseason entirely. The Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on Monday, December 28, plays a big role in how things can turn out. It’s a very important game for the Bengals, as well.

The updated NFL standings have the Kansas City Chiefs already clinching a spot in the postseason, despite being second place in the AFC West. This is because the Chiefs hold the head-to-head tie-breakers against the Denver Broncos, giving the team a huge advantage in the final two weeks of the regular season. In addition to contending with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, the Broncos have to play the San Diego Chargers in Week 17.

Within the Denver Broncos’ playoff scenarios, the team clinches a postseason berth by beating the Cincinnati Bengals. A win, coupled with a loss by the Kansas City Chiefs to the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 clinches the AFC West for the Broncos. The same result occurs if the Broncos finish the season with two more wins, as a 12-4 record would be better than the best record the 10-5 Chiefs can post.

The Broncos vs. Bengals game on December 28 also gives the winning team a head-to-head tie-breaker in the postseason. By winning the final two games, the Broncos would clinch a first-round bye, but it’s also possible for the team to clinch the No. 1 seed in the 2016 AFC Playoffs. The Broncos beat the New England Patriots in Week 12, giving the team the tie-breaker in that match-up, as well. If the Broncos beat the Bengals and Chargers, and the Patriots lose to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, then Denver suddenly wins home field advantage throughout the postseason.

There are also some very negative aspects to the Denver Broncos playoff scenarios. If the Broncos lose their final two games, that would allow the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West and for the Pittsburgh Steelers to take away the wild card spot. The Steelers beat the Broncos in Week 15, meaning a tie would go in favor of the Steelers in that scenario. The Steelers play against the against the Cleveland Browns in what amounts to another very important Week 17 game.

Many of the Denver Broncos playoff scenarios revolve around the results of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. By simply winning on Monday night, the Broncos are in the playoffs and life becomes very difficult for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers would then need the New York Jets to lose to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17 just to keep postseason hopes alive. As for the Bengals, the easiest road to the postseason is to simply win the final two games and at worst become the No. 2 seed in the AFC. That would give the team a first-round bye in the AFC Playoffs and an extra week of rest.

Kickoff for the Broncos vs. Bengals game is at 5:30 p.m. PT on December 28, followed by a 1:25 p.m. PT game against the San Diego Chargers on January 3. The Bengals still have a chance to clinch a No. 1 seed in the AFC by winning in Week 16 and Week 17 and having the Patriots lose in Week 17. It gives Denver and Cincinnati a lot to play for on Monday night. By the end of the night, the Denver Broncos’ playoff scenarios will be better defined, but the team needs a win in order to maintain full control of all options.

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