The Denver Broncos (11-2) are currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC’s playoff race, and they could clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs this weekend.
The Broncos continue to lead the AFC West, but the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) are not far behind.
“[W]e have a stretch here with some real good football teams coming in, and [we’re] focusing on what we can do to win the division,” coach Sean Payton said Monday. “The Chargers are very much alive in that battle.”
Regardless of L.A.’s result against the Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) in Week 15, the Broncos can clinch a postseason berth if they defeat the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) and improve to 12-2 this weekend, which would secure a Wild Card spot at minimum.
“We’re focused on the next game, really,” Payton said. “Everyone goes home and pays attention to who wins and loses, but our focus as a team is Green Bay, the next game.”
With four weeks remaining, here’s a look at the AFC’s current playoff picture.
NFL playoff picture (AFC)Denver Broncos: 11-2New England Patriots: 11-2Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-4Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-6Los Angeles Chargers: 9-4Buffalo Bills: 9-4Houston Texans: 8-5
Teams still in the hunt include the Indianapolis Colts (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (6-7), Chiefs (6-7) and Miami Dolphins (6-7). After hosting the Packers, the Broncos will close out the regular season against the Jaguars, Chiefs and Chargers.
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