NFL playoff picture 2024: Where Broncos stand entering NFL Week 16
Dec 17, 2024
The Broncos are a win away from reaching the playoffs for the first time since the Peyton Manning era.
After a 31-13 win over the Colts on Sunday, Denver moved into the No. 6 spot in the AFC.
Here’s a look at the current playoff picture entering NFL Week 14, as well as scenarios for Denver to clinch a postseason berth:
NFC playoff picture
Who’s in if the playoffs started today:
Detroit Lions (12-2) — Clinched
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) — Clinched
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) — 83% probability to reach playoffs, per NFL.com.
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) — 54%
Minnesota Vikings (12-2) — Clinched
Green Bay Packers (10-4) — >99%
Washington Commanders (9-5) — 78%
In the hunt:
Seattle Seahawks (8-6) — 36%
Atlanta Falcons (7-7) — 35%
Arizona Cardinals (7-7) — 13%
Not mathematically eliminated:
San Francisco 49ers (6-8) — <1%
Dallas Cowboys (6-8) — <1%
New Orleans Saints (6-8) — <1%
Better luck next year: Chicago Bears (4-10), Carolina Panthers (3-11), New York Giants (2-12).
AFC playoff picture
Who’s in if the playoffs started today:
Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) — Clinched
Buffalo Bills (11-3) — Clinched
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) — Clinched
Houston Texans (9-5) — Clinched
Baltimore Ravens (9-5) — >99%
Denver Broncos (9-5) — 91%
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) — 86%
In the hunt:
Indianapolis Colts (6-8) — 11%
Miami Dolphins (6-8) — 12%
Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) — 8%
Better luck next year: New York Jets (4-10), Cleveland Browns (3-11), Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11), Tennessee Titans (3-11), New England Patriots (3-11) and Las Vegas Raiders (2-12).
How the Broncos can clinch a playoff spot
Win or tie one of their three remaining games: This would guarantee Denver a better record than either the Bengals, Colts or Dolphins.
The Bengals AND the Dolphins each have at least a tie or a loss in their remaining games: Denver would have the better record. Cincinnati and Miami would win the tiebreaker if they all were 9-8. The Broncos win the tiebreaker over the Colts.
How the Broncos can miss the playoffs
Denver loses final three games AND the Bengals win out: Both teams would finish 9-8, but Cincinnati would have the head-to-head advantage after winning in Week 17. If Miami also wins out, they get in over Cincinnati.
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