Updated odds to reach the playoffs

On By Littum

game

The Broncos riding their high horse right into the postseason. Or at least they hope to be.

With two games remaining in the regular season, Denver is positioned for a playoff spot and could take a big step toward confirming its reservations in Week 17. For a team that wasn’t considered a postseason contender entering the year, one of the NFL’s biggest surprises is poised to make some noise.

They head to Cincinnati with a clear goal in mind against The Bengals. Win and in.

Here’s a look at Broncos playoff picture heading into Week 17.

Broncos playoff odds

The Broncos are -900 to make the playoffs, according to BetMGM. That gives them a 90% implied probability of playing at least one extra game this season.

Denver’s path to the postseason is clear. They control their own destiny and clinch a spot with a win or tie against the Bengals in Week 17. A loss would make things interesting heading into Week 18, but so far the task is simple. Win and in.

Broncos remaining schedule

On paper, the Broncos have a tough road to reach the postseason in terms of schedule. Their remaining two games make up the third-toughest schedule in the league, according to Tankathon. Denver’s opponents check in with a combined .710 winning percentage.

However, the reality is a little less bleak for the playoff hopefuls. If they can’t take care of business against the Bengals, the Broncos will have another shot at winning in Week 18 against a Chiefs team that has already clinched first place in the AFC. With KC potentially resting starters, Denver should still feel good about their ability to make the playoffs.

Below is a complete look at Denver’s schedule:

AFC West standings

The Broncos’ only chance to make the playoffs is to win a wild card spot. The Chiefs, at 15-1, wrapped up the AFC West weeks ago.

Below is a complete look at the AFC West standings entering Week 17:

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
  2. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
  3. Denver Broncos (9-6)
  4. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)

NFL playoff picture week 17

AFC

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, earned AFC No. 1 seed, AFC West leaders)
  2. Buffalo Bills (12-3, AFC East leaders)
  3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North leaders)
  4. Houston Texas (9-7, AFC South leaders)
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, wild card No. 1)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, wild card No. 2)
  7. Denver Broncos (9-6, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8), Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).

NFC

  1. Detroit Lions (13-2, NFC North leaders)
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, NFC East leaders)
  3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6, NFC West leaders)
  4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7, NFC South leaders)
  5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2, wild card No. 1)
  6. Green Bay Packers (11-4, wild card No. 2)
  7. Washington’s commanders (10-5, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), Seattle Seahawks (8-7)