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NFL Playoff Picture: Where do Denver Broncos sit in the AFC race? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 20:49 GMT by Sporting News

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Current Record and AFC West Position

At the heart of the article is the Broncos’ current record, which the authors note puts them near the bottom of the AFC West standings. With a record of 6‑9 (the exact numbers may vary slightly depending on the latest game), the Broncos trail the Chiefs and Raiders by a few games and are in a position where a late‑season surge is required to keep playoff hopes alive. The article explains how the Broncos’ performance in the last few weeks—particularly their 14‑to‑12 loss to the Chiefs and a narrow win against the Colts—has affected their odds.

The analysis highlights that a win‑win record is essential for the Broncos to become a wildcard contender, and the team will have to string together victories in its remaining matchups against the Raiders and Bengals, both of whom are also scrambling for a postseason spot.

The Broader AFC Landscape

The article broadens the scope to look at the entire AFC. It discusses how the division leaders (chiefly the Chiefs, who have been dominant throughout the season) and the other teams’ win‑loss columns create a complex playoff picture. Sporting News points out that the Chiefs’ dominant record (typically around 13‑4 or better) places them firmly in the top‑seeded slot, while the Raiders are hovering in the mid‑tier with a 9‑8 record, setting up a potential tiebreaker showdown with the Broncos.

Other teams that play a role in the Broncos’ fate include the Bengals, Texans, and Colts. The article notes that if the Bengals lose their final game to the Colts, it could dramatically alter the tiebreaker scenario for the Broncos, potentially giving Denver a better chance for a wildcard spot. The Colts, too, are fighting for playoff relevance, and their outcome against the Bengals directly impacts the Broncos’ path.

Tiebreakers and Key Matchups

A substantial portion of the article is devoted to tiebreaker rules, which become particularly important when teams finish with identical records. The Sporting News article details how the NFL’s tiebreaking procedures work in the AFC. For the Broncos, a tiebreaker win over the Raiders could be the difference between falling out of the playoff picture and securing a late‑season berth. The article explains that head‑to‑head results, conference records, and point differentials are all part of the calculation that the Broncos must navigate.

The authors also point out that the Broncos’ upcoming game against the Bengals is not just a chance to improve their record but could also affect the conference standing of the Colts and Bengals, thereby altering the playoff seeding for the entire conference.

Analysts’ Perspective

Throughout the piece, the writer incorporates insights from NFL analysts, including a quote from a Broncos insider who explained that the team’s offensive line struggles have been a major factor in their late‑season decline. The article also features a viewpoint from a sports commentator who warned that the Broncos’ offensive coordinator may need to make changes to keep the team competitive against teams that can capitalize on mistakes.

Final Take‑Away

In closing, the Sporting News article concludes that the Broncos’ playoff odds are slim but not impossible. With a win‑win record and a favorable outcome in the Bengals‑Colts game, the Broncos could still squeeze into the postseason as a wildcard team. However, the article stresses that the team must focus on tightening its defensive play, protecting its quarterback, and capitalizing on the limited opportunities that remain. The final analysis reminds readers that the AFC’s playoff picture is still fluid, and the Broncos’ fate is tied to their performance over the next few games—and the results of games involving other conference rivals.