Broncos Playoff Hopes: Rooting Guide for Denver’s Path to the NFL Playoffs
After their 30-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, the Denver Broncos are no longer in control of their playoff fate this weekend. However, they still have a chance to make it to the postseason, and a little help from other teams could get them there.
The easiest path for the Broncos would be to beat (or tie) the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. With the Chiefs likely to rest their key starters, Denver will need to take advantage of this opportunity while playing at home.
If the Broncos don’t secure a win or tie against Kansas City, they can still make the playoffs with help from other teams. Specifically, Denver needs the Bengals and Miami Dolphins to lose or tie their respective games. The Indianapolis Colts could also play a role, but only if both Cincinnati and Miami lose.
The Colts and Dolphins have crucial matchups on Sunday and again in Week 18. Indianapolis will be without quarterback Anthony Richardson due to injury, with Joe Flacco starting against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Miami’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as doubtful for the Dolphins’ Sunday game against the Cleveland Browns. For Broncos fans, this means rooting for the Giants and Browns in Week 17.
Broncos Rooting Guide:
- Colts vs. Giants: Root for New York to win
- Dolphins vs. Browns: Root for Cleveland to win
While Broncos fans will naturally hope for a win next week to avoid complications, losses by the Colts and Dolphins in Week 17 would significantly clear the playoff picture. If both Indianapolis and Miami fall on Sunday, Denver will need either a win/tie or a Bengals loss/tie in Week 18 to secure a playoff spot.
