How the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth on Thursday

If the Broncos beat the Chargers on Thursday, they will clinch their first playoff berth since they won Super Bowl 50 in 2015.

Following their 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts (6-8) on Sunday, the Denver Broncos (9-5) are now just three days away from potentially punching their ticket to the NFL playoffs.

The Broncos are currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff race and if they beat the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, Denver will clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2015.

The Colts (6-8), Miami Dolphins (6-8) and Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) are the three teams just outside the AFC playoff picture at the moment. If the Broncos beat the Chargers in L.A., Denver would secure its 10th win, putting the team out of reach of those clubs that can’t top nine wins this season.

Here’s a look at the standings going into Week 16.

AFC Playoff Picture

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
  2. Buffalo Bills (11-3)
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
  4. Houston Texans (9-5)
  5. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
  6. Denver Broncos (9-5)
  7. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

In the Hunt

  1. Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
  2. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
  3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)

The Broncos have already secured their first winning season since 2016. Now they’ll look to secure their first postseason berth since they won Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. Bring on TNF.

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