What do the Denver Broncos have to do to make the NFL playoffs?

After their 30-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, the Denver Broncos are unable to secure a spot in the playoffs this weekend.

However, the Broncos could get help from two teams on Sunday. Denver has two possible paths to reach the postseason.

The easiest route would be to beat (or tie) the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. With the Chiefs expected to rest their key starters, the Broncos are expected to take care of business at home.

If Denver doesn’t beat (or tie) Kansas City, the Broncos could still get to the postseason with the help of two (or three) other teams.

Denver would then need the Bengals and Miami Dolphins to lose or tie a game. The Indianapolis Colts could also play a role down the stretch, but not if both Cincy and Miami miss their games.

Broncos can make the NFL playoffs with:

Win or draw against the Chiefs in Week 18

or

Bengals loss/draw
Dolphins loss/draw
Colts loss/tie

Colts and Dolphins play with backup QBs on Sunday. Next week the Bengals face the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) December 29, 2024

The Colts and Dolphins will both play on Sunday and then play again in Week 18. Indianapolis will be without Anthony Richardson due to injury on Sunday, so Joe Flacco will play against the New York Giants. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. So Broncos fans should get excited for the Giants and Browns in Week 17.

Broncos Root Instructions:

• Colts vs Giants: New York wins
• Dolphins vs. Browns: Cleveland wins

Fans in Denver are obviously hoping for a win next week, to leave no doubt, but the Colts and Dolphins’ losses in Week 17 would make the playoff picture a little clearer. If both Indy and Miami fall on Sunday, the Broncos would need a win/tie or a loss/tie from the Bengals in Week 18 to clinch a playoff spot.