AFC Playoff Picture Heats Up After Week 13: Broncos Take the Driver’s Seat
Week 13 is in the books, and with just a handful of regular-season games left, the AFC playoff race is officially in high gear. The Denver Broncos, after taking care of business against the Washington Commanders, now sit atop the AFC standings at 10-2. That’s right-Denver controls its own destiny heading into Week 14, and with the way this conference is shaping up, every game from here on out has serious postseason implications.
Broncos on Top, But the Race Is Far From Over
Denver’s win on Sunday wasn’t just another notch in the win column-it was a statement. They’re not just playoff-bound; they’re positioning themselves for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. That’s a massive edge in a conference where every top team has shown flashes of dominance but also moments of vulnerability.
But the Broncos’ grip on the No. 1 seed isn’t ironclad just yet. The New England Patriots, also sitting at 10-2, have a chance to match Denver’s momentum tonight when they face the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Broncos fans might want to keep an eye on that one-if the Patriots slip, Denver can put a little breathing room between themselves and the rest of the pack.
Jaguars, Chargers, and Bills Keep Pressure On
The Jacksonville Jaguars looked every bit like a playoff team on Sunday, steamrolling the Tennessee Titans to improve to 8-4. That sets the stage for a massive matchup two weeks from now when they host the Broncos. Circle that one-it could be a playoff preview with seeding implications written all over it.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers also moved to 8-4 after a solid win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Justin Herbert and company are sitting in the fifth seed, but they’re very much in the mix for a higher spot if things break their way down the stretch.
Buffalo is also in that 8-4 logjam after taking down the Pittsburgh Steelers. Josh Allen continues to do Josh Allen things, and with the Bills heating up at the right time, they’re a team no one wants to face in January.
Steelers Slide, Colts Stumble, Ravens Hang On
The Steelers’ loss to Buffalo drops them to 6-6, a tough blow in a crowded AFC field. They’re now tied with the Baltimore Ravens, who also sit at 6-6 and currently hold the fourth seed thanks to a division tiebreaker. The AFC North has been a rollercoaster this season, and the Ravens’ spot in the playoff picture is anything but secure.
The Indianapolis Colts, who had been riding high, took a step back with a loss to the Houston Texans. That drops them to 8-4 and into the sixth seed, but like the Chargers and Bills, they’re still very much in the thick of it.
AFC Playoff Picture After Week 13
Here’s how the standings look heading into Week 14:
- Denver Broncos (10-2)
- New England Patriots (10-2)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
- Buffalo Bills (8-4)
In the Hunt:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
- Houston Texans (6-6)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
- Cincinnati Bengals (still alive, barely)
The AFC is as tight as it’s been in years. With four teams sitting at 8-4 and three more lurking at 6-6, the margin for error is razor-thin.
One bad week could mean falling out of the playoff picture entirely. One big win could vault a team into the top four.
Looking Ahead to Week 14
If Week 13 was about positioning, Week 14 is about separation. The Broncos will look to hold their top spot, but they’ll need to keep their foot on the gas. The Jaguars, Chargers, Colts, and Bills are all within striking distance, and the Patriots could leapfrog Denver depending on how tonight’s game plays out.
And don’t count out the teams on the outside looking in. The Steelers, Texans, and Chiefs all have the firepower to make a run, and the Bengals-despite a tough season-aren’t mathematically out of it just yet.
Bottom line: buckle up. The AFC playoff race is just getting started, and Week 14 is shaping up to be must-watch football.