Can Broncos clinch AFC West, No. 1 seed in Week 17? Denver’s playoff scenarios originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos have an opportunity to secure everything they could possibly hope for in Week 17.

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The Broncos, who have already clinched a postseason berth, will take on a depleted Kansas City Chiefs squad that is without several key players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As a result, the Broncos should win this game, especially with the team having a ton of motivation with so much on the line over these final two weeks.

But just how much can the Broncos clinch in Week 17?

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ AFC West and No. 1 seed clinching scenarios ahead of the Thursday night tilt versus Kansas City.

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Can Broncos clinch AFC West in Week 17?

Answer: Yes

According to NFL.com, the Broncos can secure the AFC West this week, but they will need help to do so. Here’s the two avenues for Denver:

1. DEN win + LAC loss or tie OR

2. DEN tie + LAC loss

The Chargers draw a tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday, so a loss is certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Because the Chargers temporarily own the head-to-head tie-breaker for now (Denver and Los Angeles will play again in Week 18), and because Los Angeles also owns the divisional record tie-breaker for now, the Chargers will move into first place in the AFC West entering Week 18 with a win and Broncos loss.

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But, as we previously mentioned, the Broncos losing to the Chiefs is highly unlikely to happen given all the injuries Kansas City has.

Can Broncos clinch No. 1 seed in Week 17?

Answer: Yes

There is one path for the Broncos to clinch the top seed in the conference, but it’s unlikely to unfold. Take a look:

1. DEN win + LAC loss or tie + NE loss + BUF loss or tie + JAX loss or tie

Sure, it’s not impossible all that happens, but it’s highly unlikely, especially when you break down each team’s respective matchup.

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As previously mentioned, the Chargers take on the Texans, so that’s good news for the Broncos’ hopes of getting a Los Angeles loss. The Buffalo Bills also draw a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, the Jacksonville Jaguars draw a matchup against an Indianapolis Colts team that is out of playoff contention, and the New England Patriots take on the lowly New York Jets, who are arguably the league’s worst team.

It’s a steep hill to climb for the Broncos to secure the No. 1 seed in the conference but, hey, at least there’s a chance.

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