Broncos rooting guide: How Denver can make the NFL playoffs today

Following the Bengals win on Saturday, the Broncos must beat (or tie) the Chiefs on Sunday to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs.

Going into the final week of the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos suddenly face a must-win scenario.

Following the Cincinnati Bengals’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night, the Broncos now face a do-or-die situation against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

If Denver does not beat (or tie) the Chiefs, either the Bengals (9-8) or Miami Dolphins (8-8) will make the NFL playoffs as the AFC’s seventh seed.

If the Broncos beat Kansas City, they will clinch a playoff spot. If the Denver loses and the Dolphins win, Miami will clinch a postseason berth. If both the Broncos and Dolphins lose, Cincinnati will sneak into the playoffs.

Miami and Denver will both play at 2:25 p.m. MT on Sunday. The result of the Dolphins game is only relevant to the Bengals because the Broncos now need a win (or tie) to reach the NFL playoffs.

Broncos rooting guide:

  • Dolphins vs. Jets: irrelevant 
  • Broncos vs. Chiefs: Denver win

Sunday’s Broncos-Chiefs game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). With KC resting starters, Denver is considered a favorite at home in Week 18.

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