Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos

As the 2024 NFL regular season enters its final stretch, the Denver Broncos find themselves in an enviable position: firmly in control of their playoff destiny with a clear path to securing a spot in the AFC postseason. Unlike recent seasons where the Broncos fought for wild-card contention until the final week, this year’s team has built a consistent record, dominated key matchups, and fixed the inconsistencies that once held them back. Their strong playoff positioning isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of careful roster building, tactical adjustments, and standout performances from both veterans and emerging stars. Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos explores how the Broncos have positioned themselves as legitimate postseason contenders, the factors that have fueled their success, and why they’re poised to make a deep playoff run.

Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos begins with their impressive current standing in the AFC—a ranking that gives them a buffer against late-season slumps and control over their playoff fate. Through 14 games, the Broncos hold a 10–4 record, good for second place in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs (11–3) and the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture. What makes their positioning even stronger is their head-to-head record against fellow playoff contenders: they’ve beaten the Baltimore Ravens (9–5), Cincinnati Bengals (8–6), and Los Angeles Chargers (7–7) this season, giving them a critical tiebreaker advantage if multiple teams finish with the same record. “Being 10–4 at this point means we don’t have to rely on other teams to win—we just have to take care of business,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos also have one of the easiest remaining schedules among AFC playoff hopefuls: their final two games are against the Arizona Cardinals (4–10) and Las Vegas Raiders (6–8), both teams eliminated from playoff contention. Winning these two games would lock up a top-five seed, ensuring they avoid the wild-card round’s “win-or-go-home” pressure and get a first-round bye—a huge advantage in the postseason.

A key factor in the Broncos’ strong playoff positioning is their balanced and consistent performance on both offense and defense—a rarity in the NFL that has allowed them to win games in multiple ways. On offense, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos rank 12th in the NFL in total yards (365 per game) and 10th in points scored (26.5 per game). Wilson has bounced back to his Pro Bowl form, throwing for 3,800 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, while also using his legs to add 400 rushing yards and 3 scores. The running game, led by Javonte Williams (950 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns), has provided a reliable complement, keeping defenses honest and controlling the clock. On defense, the Broncos are even more impressive: they rank 8th in total yards allowed (310 per game) and 6th in points allowed (19.8 per game), with a pass rush that has recorded 42 sacks—fourth-most in the league. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto (11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles) and defensive end Zach Allen (9 sacks, 12 tackles for loss) have anchored a unit that consistently disrupts opposing quarterbacks and shuts down running games. “Winning in the NFL requires balance, and we have that,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “We can score points when we need to, and we can stop teams from scoring. That’s the formula for playoff success.”

A defining reason Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos holds true is their ability to win close games—a critical skill in the postseason, where margins are thin and one play can decide a championship. This season, the Broncos have gone 6–1 in games decided by 7 points or fewer, a marked improvement from 2023 when they went 3–5 in such matchups. Their most impressive close win came in Week 12 against the Ravens, where they trailed 21–17 with 2 minutes left before Wilson led a 75-yard touchdown drive, connecting with wide receiver Courtland Sutton for a 10-yard score with 20 seconds remaining. “Winning close games is about mental toughness and execution,” said Wilson. “We’ve learned to stay calm when the pressure is on, and we trust each other to make plays.” The Broncos’ success in tight games is also due to their special teams unit, led by kicker Wil Lutz (91% field goal conversion rate). Lutz has made 5 game-winning field goals this season, including a 52-yarder in Week 8 against the Chiefs that gave the Broncos a 24–21 victory. For the Denver Broncos, this ability to win close games isn’t just a stat—it’s a mindset that will serve them well in the playoffs, where every drive and every play matters.

Another critical factor in the Broncos’ strong playoff positioning is the health of their key players—a luxury many playoff contenders don’t have, and one that gives the Denver Broncos a significant edge. Unlike teams like the Bengals (who lost quarterback Joe Burrow to a wrist injury) or the Ravens (who have dealt with injuries to their offensive line), the Broncos have kept their core players on the field for most of the season. Wilson, Williams, Sutton, Bonitto, and Allen have all played in at least 13 of the team’s 14 games, and the only major injury has been to backup tight end Greg Dulcich (knee), who is expected to return for the playoffs. The Broncos’ medical staff deserves credit for this health streak: their focus on injury prevention, personalized training plans, and advanced recovery technology has kept players fresh and durable. “Health is the most underrated factor in playoff success,” said Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. “If you don’t have your best players on the field, you can’t compete for a championship.” For the Denver Broncos, having a healthy roster means they can field their best lineup in the playoffs, without having to adjust for key absences. This continuity will be crucial against teams that have had to shuffle their lineups due to injuries.

Wrapping up Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos is the experience and leadership on the roster—a intangible asset that will guide the Denver Broncos through the pressures of the postseason. Unlike many young playoff teams, the Broncos have a core of veteran players who have been there before: Wilson has won a Super Bowl (with the Seattle Seahawks) and played in two others; Sutton has been with the Broncos since 2018 and knows what it takes to compete in the AFC West; and defensive back Justin Simmons (a 9-year veteran) has been a leader on defense for years. These veterans have helped set a culture of winning and have mentored young players like Bonitto and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, teaching them how to handle the intensity of the playoffs. “Veteran leadership is priceless in the postseason,” said Payton, who won a Super Bowl as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. “Our veterans know how to prepare, how to stay focused, and how to lead by example. They’ll keep our young players grounded and motivated.” For the Denver Broncos, this combination of talent, balance, health, and experience makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC. Their strong playoff positioning is just the start—they have the tools to make a deep run and possibly bring a Super Bowl title back to Denver. Playoff Positioning Strong for the Denver Broncos ultimately shows that the Broncos aren’t just a playoff team this year—they’re a championship contender, and everyone in the NFL should be paying attention.