The Denver Broncos’ playoff hopes remain alive, but they’re teetering on the edge after a crushing Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The “win-and-in” scenario for the 2024 NFL playoffs is still in play, but the Broncos now face a must-win situation in one of their final two games.
Denver had firm control of the game, leading 21-10 and later 24-13, before the Chargers stormed back with 21 unanswered points. The Broncos’ defense faltered at the worst possible time, and the offense couldn’t respond when it mattered most.
Despite the devastating loss, the Broncos hold onto the AFC’s 7th seed. However, the final stretch of the season presents a challenging path. Here’s where things stand:
Playoff Outlook: Decent but Dicey
The Chargers and Ravens, both with nine wins, currently hold tiebreakers over Denver. For the Broncos to climb past either team, they’d need to win out and hope for those teams to lose the rest of their games—a long shot. Realistically, Denver’s best-case scenario is clinging to the 7th seed, possibly the 6th.
The Broncos’ next test comes on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 28. A victory there would punch their ticket to the postseason. They wrap up the season with a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
For now, Denver fans will be hoping for a Christmas miracle in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Bengals face the Cleveland Browns this weekend, with Cleveland starting rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. If the Browns pull off an upset, the Bengals could be on the verge of elimination. After hosting Denver, Cincinnati finishes their season in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
Other Teams in the Mix
Denver isn’t just watching the Bengals. The Indianapolis Colts could still edge out the Broncos in a three-way tie at 9-8 with Miami. The Colts have a relatively soft schedule: the Titans, Giants, and Jaguars remain on their slate. Denver will be rooting for one of those teams to deliver an upset.
The Miami Dolphins might be in the most precarious position. They face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend—a battered but resilient team—and close their season with games against the Browns and Jets. An upset in any of these matchups could open the door for Denver.
One More Win is Key
For the Broncos, it’s simple: win one more game, and they’re in. Securing a 10th win would shift pressure onto the Chargers and Ravens, but beating the Bengals on the road or the Chiefs at home is no easy task. Denver’s best hope may lie in Kansas City resting their starters if they secure the AFC’s #1 seed before Week 18.
Criticism of Denver’s 1-6 record against teams above .500 this season is well-earned. Key opportunities slipped away: a blocked field goal against the Chiefs, blown leads in both games against the Chargers, and a lackluster showing against the Ravens.
Those missteps loom large now.
The Broncos’ fate remains in their hands. One more win is all it takes, but after their latest collapse, confidence is hard to come by. Time is running out, and this team needs to regroup—and fast.
