AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos

With just three weeks remaining in the 2024 NFL regular season, the race for AFC playoff seeds has evolved into a high-stakes battle— and the Denver Broncos find themselves right in the thick of it. After a late-season surge that lifted them from the bottom of the playoff picture to a solid sixth-place spot, the Broncos now have their sights set on climbing higher, with a chance to secure a better seed and avoid a first-round road game. Every win, loss, and even margin of victory in their remaining games could shift the rankings, making each play feel like a potential playoff decider. AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos explores the current AFC seedings, the Broncos’ path to climbing the ranks, key matchups that will shape their position, the impact of seeding on their playoff chances, and how the team is preparing for this critical stretch.

AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos begins with a breakdown of the current AFC playoff landscape, which remains fluid with multiple teams vying for the top six spots. As of Week 15, the Broncos sit at 9-5, holding the sixth seed— just one game behind the fifth-seeded Indianapolis Colts (10-4) and two games behind the fourth-seeded Cleveland Browns (11-3). The top three seeds— the Baltimore Ravens (12-2), Kansas City Chiefs (11-3), and Buffalo Bills (10-4)— are still within striking distance for the Broncos if they win out and other teams falter, though that scenario remains unlikely. What’s most critical for the Broncos is holding onto their current spot and potentially moving up to fifth, which would give them a more favorable first-round matchup. “The difference between sixth and fifth seed is huge,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “It could mean playing a team we’ve already beaten, or avoiding a road game against a top-tier opponent. Every win from here on out matters not just for making the playoffs, but for where we play once we get there.” The Broncos’ remaining games against the Houston Texans (7-7), Indianapolis Colts (10-4), and Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) will be pivotal, as wins against the Colts and Texans could propel them up the rankings.

AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos next delves into the Broncos’ path to climbing the AFC ranks, which hinges on a combination of their own wins and losses by teams above them. To move up to fifth place, the Broncos will likely need to beat the Colts in Week 16— a direct head-to-head matchup that would give them the tiebreaker over Indianapolis if both teams finish with the same record. They’ll also need to win at least one of their other two games, while hoping the Colts drop another game (they face the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars in their remaining schedule). Climbing to fourth place would require even more help: the Broncos would need to win all three remaining games, and the Browns would need to lose at least two of their final three matchups (against the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Cincinnati Bengals). While a top-four seed is a long shot, the Broncos aren’t ruling it out. “We’re taking it one game at a time, but we know that every win keeps our options open,” said Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. “If we keep playing the way we have been, we could surprise some people. We’re not here just to make the playoffs— we’re here to compete for a Super Bowl, and a better seed will help us do that.”

AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos covers the key matchups that will shape the Broncos’ seeding, starting with their Week 16 home game against the Colts. This game is a de facto playoff eliminator for the loser, as the winner will take control of the fifth seed and put themselves in a strong position to secure a favorable first-round matchup. The Colts have a strong rushing attack led by Jonathan Taylor, which will test the Broncos’ run defense— a unit that has improved significantly in recent weeks, allowing just 92 rushing yards per game during their six-game win streak. “This is a must-win game for us,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “The Colts have a balanced offense, and we’ll need to stop the run and pressure their quarterback to come out on top. This game could define our playoff path, so we’re preparing like it’s a playoff game.” Another key matchup is the Broncos’ Week 15 game against the Texans, a team fighting for a wildcard spot of their own. A win against Houston would keep the Broncos ahead of the Texans in the standings and prevent them from becoming a threat to the Broncos’ seed. For the Denver Broncos, these two games are non-negotiable if they want to climb the ranks— a loss in either could drop them out of the top six and put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Another layer of AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos is the impact of seeding on their playoff chances, which cannot be overstated. In the NFL, home-field advantage is a significant factor: teams with home playoff games win approximately 58% of the time, compared to just 42% for road teams. A fifth or sixth seed would likely mean a road game for the Broncos, but a fifth seed could mean facing a lower-tier opponent like the Texans or Jacksonville Jaguars, while a sixth seed might force them to play a top team like the Bills or Chiefs. “Road playoff games are tough— the crowd, the travel, the pressure,” said Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. “We want to avoid that if possible, which is why we’re fighting so hard for a better seed. Even a small improvement in our seeding could be the difference between winning a playoff game and going home early.” The Broncos also have to consider tiebreakers, which could play a critical role if multiple teams finish with the same record. Their head-to-head win against the Chiefs earlier in the season gives them an edge over Kansas City if they finish with the same record, while a win against the Colts would give them the tiebreaker over Indianapolis. For the Denver Broncos, understanding these tiebreakers and planning accordingly has become a key part of their game strategy— they’re not just playing to win, but to win by margins that could help them in tiebreaker scenarios.

AFC Seed Battle Intensifies for the Denver Broncos wraps up with how the team is preparing for this critical stretch, focusing on staying focused and avoiding complacency. Payton has emphasized the importance of treating each remaining game like a playoff game, with practices becoming more intense and film study sessions lasting longer. The team has also brought in sports psychologists to help players manage the pressure, ensuring they stay calm and focused during high-stakes moments. “The biggest challenge right now is staying in the moment,” said Payton. “It’s easy to look ahead to the playoffs or worry about other teams’ games, but we need to focus on one opponent at a time. If we do that, the seeding will take care of itself.” The Broncos’ veterans, including Wilson and safety Justin Simmons, have taken on leadership roles, reminding younger players of the importance of this stretch and sharing their playoff experience. “We’ve worked too hard to get here to let this opportunity slip away,” said Simmons. “Every guy in this locker room knows what’s at stake, and we’re ready to put in the work to get a better seed.” For the Denver Broncos, the AFC seed battle is more than just a race for rankings— it’s a chance to prove they’re a legitimate playoff contender. As they head into the final three games, one thing is clear: the intensity of this battle will only grow, and the Broncos are ready to fight for every yard, every win, and every chance to climb the AFC ranks.