The Broncos Are Rolling-and the AFC Is Starting to Feel It
It’s been nearly three months since the Denver Broncos last lost a football game. That’s not a typo. Since those gut-punch, last-second defeats to the Colts and Chargers back in September, Denver has flipped the switch-and they haven’t looked back.
Now, with just two games left in the regular season, the Broncos are closing in on something they haven’t claimed in a decade: the AFC West crown. They’re two wins away from locking it up outright, but even one win combined with a Chargers loss would seal the deal. That could happen as early as Week 16.
And here’s the kicker-they’re not just playoff-bound. They’re the first team in the AFC to clinch a postseason spot this year.
For context, they were the last team to punch their ticket in 2024. That’s a massive year-over-year leap, and it’s a testament to how much has changed in Denver.
Broncos Sitting in the AFC Driver’s Seat
Let’s take a look at the current AFC playoff picture:
- Bye: (1) Denver Broncos
Right now, Denver holds the top seed in the conference. That means a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. If the season ended today, they’d host the lowest remaining seed in the Divisional Round-and that could very well be the Houston Texans.
Wild Card Matchups (If the Season Ended Today)
- (7) Houston Texans @ (2) New England Patriots
This matchup would send the upstart Texans to Foxborough to face the Patriots. Based on what we’ve seen from New England lately, this one could tilt in Houston’s favor. If the Texans pull off the upset, they’d head to Denver for the Divisional Round-a potential rematch that would pit two of the AFC’s most intriguing young teams against each other.
- (6) Buffalo Bills @ (3) Jacksonville Jaguars
This one has all the makings of a Wild Card classic. Jacksonville has been playing sharp, disciplined football, and Trevor Lawrence is heating up at the right time.
But Buffalo has Josh Allen-and that always gives them a shot. These two teams bring very different styles to the table, and it could be one of the most competitive matchups of the opening round.
It also doubles as a preview of Denver’s Week 16 opponent, as the Broncos will host the Jaguars in a game with major seeding implications.
- (5) Los Angeles Chargers @ (4) Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chargers are hanging onto the fifth seed, and that would send them to face the AFC North winner-currently the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a matchup that might not move the needle much in terms of excitement.
The Chargers have struggled with consistency, especially up front on the offensive line, and neither Pittsburgh nor Baltimore has looked like a team built for a deep postseason run. Still, someone’s moving on from this one.
What It All Means for Denver
The Broncos are in a prime position. They’ve already clinched a playoff berth, they’re within striking distance of a division title, and they’re currently lined up for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That means rest, recovery, and home-field advantage-all of which could be crucial for a team looking to make a serious run.
It’s been a long time since Denver fans had this kind of optimism heading into the final stretch of the season. But with the way this team is playing-and the way the rest of the AFC is shaping up-the Broncos aren’t just back. They’re in control.