The Denver Broncos are positioned to secure a spot in the postseason, as well as potentially clinch the AFC West division and the top seed in the conference. Their playoff journey continues on Sunday when they face the Green Bay Packers. A win against Green Bay would guarantee Denver a place in the playoffs.
According to The Athletic’s playoff simulator, Denver currently has an 87 percent chance of winning the AFC West and a 39 percent chance of securing the number one seed. These odds could improve depending on other results around the NFL this week.
Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs is particularly significant for Denver. If Kansas City wins, it increases Denver’s chances of taking the division title from 87 percent to 92 percent. Should Denver also defeat Green Bay, their odds would rise further to 97 percent, putting them within reach of clinching the division with just one more win or a Chargers loss. “I could never tell you to root for Kansas City, but it is helpful for the Chiefs to earn a win this week,” states the release. “A Chiefs win would ensure Denver’s division odds fall no lower than 87 percent heading into Week 16.”
In another key game, if Buffalo defeats New England, it would give Denver more flexibility late in the season by boosting their chances at securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by over ten percent. Combined with a Broncos victory, their likelihood of earning the top seed could reach nearly 70 percent.
Denver also benefits if New York beats Jacksonville this week since both teams will play each other in Week 16 and a Jaguars loss now provides more margin for error for Denver.
As noted: “Again, the Broncos control their own destiny in the AFC — and the most effective way for them to reach their goals is to keep winning.” A victory over Green Bay would not only clinch a playoff berth but also increase their chances at both winning their division and earning home-field advantage through much of January.
