The Denver Broncos haven't made the postseason since the 2015 NFL season, when Peyton Manning and a bruising defense combined to bring the Mile High City a Super Bowl title.
However, the Broncos are attempting to return to the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade and could clinch a playoff berth in Week 17.
Here's how Denver can get a postseason ticket this weekend.
Broncos playoff berth decision scenario
The Broncos will play the Cincinnati Bengals on the road Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.
If they win or tie that game, Denver will advance to the playoffs.
But unlike the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West, the Broncos cannot clinch a playoff spot with a loss this week. The Chargers can qualify with losses to the Colts and Dolphins, but the Broncos need a win to qualify for the playoffs. A loss to the Bengals would not only leave Cincinnati with a slim chance of making the playoffs, but it would also mean Denver would have to wait until the final week of the season to get a ticket.
AFC standings heading into week 17
Here are the latest AFC standings, including the results of the Christmas matches.
1.z-kansas city chiefs (15-1)
2.y-buffalo bills (12-3)
3.×-baltimore ravens (11-5)
4.y-houston texans (9-7)
5.×-pittsburgh steelers (10-6)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, victory over DEN)*
7. denver broncos (9-6, lost to Los Angeles)*
8. indianapolis colts (7-8, 6-5 AFC wins over MIA)*
9. miami dolphins (7-8, 5-5 AFC, lost to IND)*
10. cincinnati bengals (7-8, 4-6 AFC)*
11. new york jets (4-11) — Eliminated
12. cleveland browns (3-12, 3-7 AFC. Victory over JAX) — Lost
13. jacksonville jaguars (3-12, won against TEN, lost 3-7 AFC, CLE) — Lost
14. tennessee titans (3-12, 3-7 AFC) — Lost
15. las vegas raiders (3-12, 3-8) — Eliminated
16. new England Patriots (3-12, 2-8) — Eliminated
Teams marked with an asterisk
excluded from division competition
Teams marked with (x) have qualified for the playoffs
The team marked with (y) won the division
Teams marked with (z) have home field advantage
