The NFL has outlined the possible scenarios in which the Denver Broncos could secure both the AFC West division title and the conference’s top seed during Week 16. The Broncos are set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. MT, with coverage on FOX.
According to the league, Denver can clinch the AFC West title and earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed, which includes a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, if they win their game while the Los Angeles Chargers lose or tie, and both the New England Patriots lose and Buffalo Bills lose or tie.
Alternatively, Denver can secure just the division title if they win and the Chargers lose or tie, or if they tie their game and the Chargers lose.
The AFC West division winner is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The No. 1 seed provides additional benefits by giving that team a week off during Wild Card weekend and home-field advantage for all playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. More information about how NFL playoff seeding works can be found at https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture/.
“Denver clinches the AFC West division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and home-field advantage with: 1. DEN win LAC loss or tie + NE loss + BUF loss or tie,” according to an official statement from the NFL.
“Denver clinches AFC West division title with: 1. DEN win + LAC loss or tie OR 2. DEN tie + LAC loss,” as further detailed by league officials.
