The Denver Broncos are technically still alive in the NFL playoff hunt, but only barely. Denver has a 4.1% chance of reaching the postseason going into Week 17.
Going into the penultimate week of the 2023 regular season, the Broncos are hanging on by a thread. There are eight ways Denver could be officially eliminated from playoff contention this weekend. The most notable scenario is a Broncos loss — Denver has to beat the Los Angeles Chargers to have a chance of staying alive for at least one more week.
At 7-8, the Broncos need to win out and finish with a 9-8 record and then get some help from other teams to have a chance. Denver will host the Chargers this week before going on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.
The first four elimination scenarios include a Broncos tie, which is unlikely. Because a tie is possible, though, we’re including those scenarios. The eight scenarios are provided courtesy of nflplayoffscenarios.com. Keep in mind that in each scenario, all of the results listed must happen together.
1
Broncos tie + a Jaguars win or tie
Jacksonville getting a positive result on Sunday would be bad news for the Broncos if Denver gets anything less than a win.
2
Broncos tie + a Colts win or tie + a Texans win or tie
If Denver ties, positive results for Indianapolis and Houston would be problematic.
3
Broncos tie + a Steelers win or tie
A Pittsburgh win would sink Denver if the Broncos tie the Chargers.
4
Broncos tie + a Bengals win
If Denver ties and Cincinnati wins, the Broncos are out of playoff contention.
5
Chiefs win or tie + a Bills win or tie + a Steelers win
If Kansas City and Buffalo get a positive result and Pittsburgh wins, the Broncos will be eliminated even if Denver wins on Sunday.
6
Chiefs win/tie + Bills win/tie + Texans win + Colts win + Jaguars win/tie
Denver fans should root against Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston, Indianapolis and Jacksonville this weekend.
7
Chiefs win/tie + Texans win + Colts win + Jaguars win/tie + Steelers win
Those five teams plus the Bills are the Broncos’ enemies this week.
8
Broncos loss
Of course, the simplest path to elimination is a Denver loss. The Broncos must defeat the Chargers at home on Sunday.
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