There was a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2024 season in Denver for head coach Sean Payton’s second year. However, after some bold decisions, the Denver Broncos’ playoff scenarios are alive and well.
Let’s see what the Broncos’ playoff chances are after they defeated the Colts in Week 15.
Broncos Playoff Situation | Week 15 Update
AFC Scores in Week 15 Relevant to Playoff Race
- Chiefs defeated Browns, 21-7
- Bengals defeated Titans, 37-27
- Texans defeated Dolphins, 20-12
- Ravens defeated Giants, 35-14
- Buccaneers defeated Chargers, 40-17
- Eagles defeated Steelers, 27-13
- Broncos defeated Colts, 31-13
- Bills defeated Lions, 48-42
After missing out on their fair share of quarterbacks during free agency, Payton and the Broncos’ front office took a gamble rolling with rookie QB Bo Nix in the 2024 NFL Draft following an impressive season with the Oregon Ducks.
While the offensive output took a little time to get rolling, Nix found a groove and has helped lead the Broncos to two three-game winning streaks. The team’s efforts have helped propel Denver to a 9-5 record and, according to PFN’s Playoff Projections, an 86.1% chance of making the playoffs.
If the season were to end today, the Broncos would be the AFC’s sixth seed. However, with three games left in the 2024 season, the Broncos have the 12th-hardest remaining strength of schedule.
The Broncos have the highest probability of capturing the fifth seed, with a 32.7% chance. Then, it’s the sixth seed at 29.3% and the seventh seed at 21.3%.
Taking down the Colts, Chargers, and Bengals in the coming weeks will ensure they keep their destiny in their own hands. With their victory in Week 15 over Indianapolis, they will now turn their attention to Los Angeles and Cincinnati before they take on the Chiefs in Week 18.
While the playoffs are in sight, there were no scenarios for the Broncos to clinch a postseason berth in Week 15. With how congested the bottom half of the AFC is, the final playoff picture will likely not be set until the final gun sounds on Week 18.
Head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor, where you can choose who will win the remaining NFL games to see your ideal playoff picture and how it differs from the current NFL playoff bracket.
Can the Broncos Still Win the AFC West?
The Chiefs’ 19-17 win over the Chargers in Week 14 wrapped the AFC West up in Kansas City’s favor for the ninth season in a row. While the Broncos and Chargers were mathematically alive, it would have taken quite the miracle to oust a Chiefs’ team that has survived plenty of close calls this season.
Denver will jostle with Los Angeles as the season comes down to the wire for AF Wild Card seeding as they await the AFC North and South to determine their division winners. Whatever the case, Payton and Nix have a lot to be pleased about after proving many people wrong about the state of this team and the offense.