The Denver Broncos failed to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, but they could back into the postseason today with some help from other teams.
The Broncos are currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC with a 9-6 record. The two teams above them in the Wild Card standings are the Baltimore Ravens (9-6) and Chargers (9-6).
There are three teams right below Denver that could threaten to overtake the Broncos if Denver does not take care of business over the next two weeks. The Indianapolis Colts (6-8), Miami Dolphins (6-8) and Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) could take the Broncos’ Wild Card spot if the Denver loses out and one of those three teams wins outs.
So the rooting guide for Broncos fans is simple this week: root against the Colts, Dolphins and Bengals. (And, yes, Indy could get in over Denver even though the Broncos have a head-to-head win against them.) It’s also worth noting that a loss or tie would be sufficient.
Broncos fans rooting guide Week 16
- Browns beat Bengals (11:00 a.m. MT)
- Titans beat Colts (11:00 a.m. MT)
- 49ers beat Dolphins (2:05 p.m. MT)
Denver will face the Bengals on the road in Week 17. Even if Cincinnati (and the Colts and Dolphins) win today, the Broncos could still clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Bengals on Saturday. The Browns, Titans and 49ers could make life easier for Denver, though, so support those clubs today.
