AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos

As the 2024 NFL regular season enters its final month, the race for the AFC No. 1 seed has transformed into a thrilling, down-to-the-wire battle—and the Denver Broncos have emerged as one of the top contenders. After a historic nine-game win streak, the Broncos have climbed to the upper echelons of the AFC standings, sitting just one game behind the current No. 1 seed, the Baltimore Ravens, with four games left to play. This isn’t just a fight for a higher playoff spot; the No. 1 seed guarantees a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs—a critical edge in the quest for a Super Bowl title. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos explores the Broncos’ path to the top seed, the key matchups that will define their fate, and how their recent momentum positions them to claim the AFC’s most coveted regular-season prize.

The Broncos’ ascent in the AFC standings has been fueled by their dominant play since Week 6, a stretch that has not only improved their record but also strengthened their case for the No. 1 seed with impressive wins over fellow playoff contenders. Entering Week 15, the Broncos hold a 11-3 record, with signature victories over the Kansas City Chiefs (twice), the San Francisco 49ers, and the Buffalo Bills—all teams that are either in the playoff hunt or already clinched spots. These “quality wins” are crucial in tiebreaker scenarios, as the NFL prioritizes head-to-head results and wins against playoff-caliber teams when standings are tight. For example, if the Broncos and Ravens end the season with the same record, the Broncos’ win over the Bills (a team the Ravens lost to) could give them the edge in tiebreakers. Additionally, the Broncos’ defense—ranked first in the AFC in points allowed (16.3 per game)—has been a standout, a statistic that NFL analysts often cite as a key indicator of playoff success. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos highlights that the Broncos aren’t just winning—they’re winning against the right teams, which could be the difference in securing the No. 1 seed.

A critical factor in the Broncos’ No. 1 seed chase is their remaining schedule, which includes both tough tests and opportunities to pad their resume against weaker opponents. The Broncos’ final four games are against the Las Vegas Raiders (6-8), the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6), the New England Patriots (7-7), and the Denver Broncos’ season finale against the Chiefs (9-5). The matchup against the Chargers in Week 16 is particularly important, as the Chargers are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot and will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win over the Chargers would not only improve the Broncos’ record but also eliminate a potential threat in the playoffs. The season finale against the Chiefs is equally crucial; a second win over the Chiefs would further strengthen the Broncos’ tiebreaker position and solidify their dominance in the AFC West. On the flip side, the games against the Raiders and Patriots are must-wins if the Broncos want to keep pace with the Ravens, who have a slightly easier remaining schedule. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos notes that the Broncos control their own destiny—if they win all four remaining games, they will almost certainly claim the No. 1 seed, making every play in the coming weeks feel like a playoff game.

For the Denver Broncos, their defense—arguably the best in the AFC—will be the backbone of their No. 1 seed chase, as it has the ability to shut down high-powered offenses and secure wins even when the offense has an off day. Led by Bradley Chubb (12 sacks), Justin Simmons (4 interceptions), and Alex Singleton (112 tackles), the Broncos’ defense has been a force in critical moments, recording 18 takeaways and 38 sacks since Week 6. This defensive dominance is especially valuable in the final stretch of the season, when teams often face fatigued offenses and weather challenges. For example, in cold-weather games (like the potential Week 17 matchup against the Patriots in New England), a strong defense can keep the game close and limit turnovers, which are often more common in adverse conditions. The Broncos’ defense also excels at closing out games, holding opponents to just 4.8 points per game in the fourth quarter during their win streak—a statistic that will be crucial in tight matchups against the Chargers and Chiefs. For the Denver Broncos, this defense isn’t just a support unit—it’s a weapon that can win games on its own, a key advantage in the tight race for the No. 1 seed. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos explores how the defense’s consistency and clutch play make the Broncos a legitimate threat to overtake the Ravens for the top spot.

The Denver Broncos’ offense, while not as flashy as their defense, has also played a vital role in the No. 1 seed chase, providing efficient, mistake-free play that complements the defense and keeps the team in every game. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been a steadying presence, completing 64% of his passes for 3,200 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions this season. Wilson has embraced a game-manager role, focusing on avoiding turnovers and getting the ball to playmakers like wide receiver Courtland Sutton (65 catches, 890 yards) and running back Javonte Williams (890 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns). The Broncos’ run game, which averages 121 yards per game (ranking 8th in the AFC), has been particularly important, as it controls the clock and keeps the defense rested—critical in long games against tough opponents. In the Week 14 win over the Cardinals, the Broncos rushed for 145 yards, holding the ball for over 35 minutes and limiting the Cardinals’ offense to just 24 minutes of possession. For the Denver Broncos, this balanced offensive approach is key in the No. 1 seed chase, as it ensures the team isn’t overly reliant on one player or style of play. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos emphasizes that while the defense gets most of the attention, the offense’s efficiency has been just as important in keeping the Broncos in the hunt for the top seed.

Finally, the Denver Broncos’ experience and mental toughness—honed during their nine-game win streak—will be a deciding factor in the AFC No. 1 seed chase, as the team has already proven it can handle pressure and win tight games against elite competition. The Broncos have won 7 games by 7 points or fewer this season, including a 27-23 win over the Bills and a 24-17 win over the Chiefs. These close wins have taught the team how to stay focused in high-pressure situations, from fourth-quarter comebacks to game-sealing defensive stops. Head coach Sean Payton, who has won a Super Bowl before with the New Orleans Saints, has been instrumental in fostering this mental toughness, emphasizing preparation and attention to detail in every practice. “We don’t get too high after wins or too low after losses,” Payton said in a recent press conference. “Our focus is on the next game, and that’s what will carry us through this stretch.” For the Denver Broncos, this combination of experience and focus is a significant advantage over the Ravens, who have only won 4 close games this season and may struggle to handle the pressure of a tight standings race. AFC No. 1 Seed Chase Heats Up for the Denver Broncos concludes that as the regular season winds down, the Broncos have all the tools to claim the AFC No. 1 seed— a dominant defense, an efficient offense, a favorable schedule, and the mental toughness to win when it matters most. If they can maintain their current form, the Broncos could be hosting playoff games at Empower Field at Mile High all the way to the Super Bowl.