Broncos fans should root first and foremost for Denver to beat the Packers, since that alone clinches a playoff spot and keeps the path to the AFC’s top seed clean.
Main games to root for
- Chiefs over Chargers, because a Chargers loss all but locks up the AFC West for Denver and can even help set up scenarios where Kansas City misses the playoffs entirely.
- Bills over Patriots, since a New England loss gives Denver more cushion for the AFC’s No. 1 seed and uses Denver’s tiebreaker edge on the Patriots to create effective separation.
- Jets over Jaguars and Cardinals over Texans, because losses by Jacksonville and Houston weaken other AFC contenders and aid Denver both in clinching scenarios and overall seeding.
Bonus rooting interests
- Ravens over Bengals, as a Ravens win raises the stakes for Baltimore when it plays the Patriots next week, increasing the odds New England takes another loss that helps Denver at the top of the conference.
- Dolphins over Steelers, so Miami has something to play for in its season finale vs. the Patriots, potentially dealing New England another late loss that benefits the Broncos’ seeding.
