The Broncos entered the 2025 campaign with high hopes. It’s hard to imagine that they could have imagined things going as well as they have.
Advertisement
Through 16 games, Denver sits atop the AFC. It hasn’t been the prettiest ride for the Broncos, who have endured some problems along the way. But winning has always been an elixir. And as the season comes to a close, there isn’t a team more accustomed to winning this year than Sean Payton’s group, who earned another victory under difficult circumstances against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.
Kansas City huffed and puffed, showing resilience throughout the game. But Bo Nix’s last-gasp touchdown was enough to give the Broncos a 20-13 victory, moving them one step closer to the AFC regular-season crown.
Here’s a look at Denver’s playoff prospects after their latest win.
FURTHER: Updates on the AFC first place chase
Advertisement
Image from the Broncos playoffs
Denver held on to the top of the AFC, just barely. Despite the best efforts of Chris Oladokun and the Kansas City defense, the Broncos held on for a victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
The result was not enough for Denver to get first place. However, it did put pressure on all the teams chasing the Broncos in the AFC standings. Denver is guaranteed to sit atop the AFC standings at the end of Week 17. The Patriots, Jaguars, Chargers and Bills all need wins to stay on pace and have a chance at the AFC’s top prize.
|
Seed |
Equipment |
Record |
|
1 |
Broncos* |
13-3 |
|
2 |
Patriots* |
12-3 |
|
3 |
Jaguars* |
11-4 |
|
4 |
steelmakers |
9-6 |
|
5 |
Chargers* |
11-4 |
|
6 |
Invoices* |
11-4 |
|
7 |
jeans |
10-5 |
|
8 |
foals |
8-7 |
|
9 |
crows |
7-8 |
|
10 |
dolphins |
6-9 |
|
11 |
bosses |
6-10 |
|
12 |
bengali |
5-10 |
|
13 |
Jets |
3-12 |
|
14 |
Titans |
3-12 |
|
15 |
brown |
3-12 |
|
16 |
raiders |
2-13 |
*indicates that a team has clinched a playoff spot.
Advertisement
AFC West standings
Denver still sits atop the AFC West. However, their spot at the top of the division is threatened by an upstart Chargers team that has overcome countless injuries to keep pace with its divisional foe.
FURTHER: Which teams have clinched a playoff spot in Week 17?
Los Angeles is two wins out of first place and currently holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos, having beaten them in their only meeting in Week 3. The two teams will rekindle their rivalry in Week 18. If the Bolts can beat a talented Texans team on Saturday, they will have a chance to claim the division title in their reverse game against Denver.
|
Seed |
Equipment |
Record |
|
1 |
Broncos |
13-3 |
|
2 |
Chargers |
11-4 |
|
3 |
bosses |
6-10 |
|
4 |
raiders |
2-13 |
Remaining Broncos Schedule
Denver has one game left on its regular-season schedule: a date with the 11-4 Chargers. The game could very well have postseason implications: Like the Broncos, Los Angeles is still in the hunt for a division crown, as well as the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Advertisement
If the Chargers manage to defeat Houston over the weekend, that matchup will likely be moved to a prime-time slot in Week 18.
|
Date |
Adversary |
Time |
television channel |
|
To be determined |
in Broncos |
To be determined |
To be determined |