Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season begins.
However, this weekend's results could help some teams secure a spot in the postseason.
Six teams have already qualified for the playoffs: the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles, but several teams will make the playoffs in Week 16. may be added.
Two such teams are the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers, and with any luck (or NFL scheduling gurus), these two AFC West rivals will play each other early in the week. It will be. Thursday Night Football.
Here's how Denver can clinch a playoff spot this week. Broncos trail by 2.5 points at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Broncos playoff berth decision scenario
Here in Week 16, Denver has two paths to the playoffs. The first is pretty simple, but the second requires the Broncos to get a little help from their friends.
What's the easiest way for the Broncos to get in? A win over the Chargers. Los Angeles is a 2.5-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook. If tonight's game against Los Angeles ends in a tie, Denver will qualify for the playoffs.
However, Denver has a chance to return to the postseason despite losing to the Chargers, but they'll need a little help over the weekend to do so. Even if they lose to Los Angeles, the Broncos can qualify for the playoffs under the following conditions:
- Miami Dolphins Lose/Tie AND Cincinnati Bengals Lose/Tie AND Indianapolis Colts Lose/Tie
Even if these three games are decided, Denver can still make the playoffs even if they lose to the Chargers.
AFC standings heading into week 16
1.y-kansas city chiefs (13-1)
2.y-buffalo bills (11-3)
3.×-pittsburgh steelers (10-4)
4.y-houston texans (9-5)
5. baltimore ravens (9-5, victory over DEN)
6. denver broncos (9-5, lost to BAL)*
7. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)*
8. indianapolis colts (6-8, 5-5 AFC wins over MIA)*
9. miami dolphins (6-8, 5-5 AFC, lost to IND)*
10. cincinnati bengals (6-8, 3-6 AFC)*
11. new york jets (4-10) — Eliminated
12. cleveland browns (3-11, victory over JAX) — Eliminated
13. jacksonville jaguars (3-11, won against TEN, lost against CLE, won against NE) — Eliminated
14. tennessee titans (3-11, lost to JAX, won against NE) — Lost
15. New England Patriots (3-11, lost to Jacks & Ten) — Eliminated
16. las vegas raiders (2-12) — 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
