Broncos Have Opportunity to Secure Playoff Spot as Early as Next Week.

1. Denver beats the Colts on Sunday

2. Houston beats the Dolphins on Sunday

3. Denver beats the Chargers in Week 16

Should these factors align, the Broncos will secure a Wild Card position by the conclusion of next Thursday night, irrespective of the actions taken by their competitors (Miami, Cincinnati) in the meantime. The journey toward the playoffs commences with a crucial home game against the 6-7 Indianapolis Colts. Currently positioned as the seventh seed in the AFC, the Broncos would possess a 91% probability of advancing by overcoming the Colts. Conversely, a defeat would reduce those odds to 51%. The strength of schedule does not favor Denver, as their remaining games include matchups against the Colts, Chargers, Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs, who may or may not have playoff implications in the final regular-season game. Nevertheless, the essential point remains: following a bye week, the Broncos largely dictate their own fate. “This is the latest bye I have experienced, but I believe it came at an opportune moment," remarked head coach Sean Payton on Monday. "We have an important month of football ahead, with each game carrying significant weight. It is crucial to be as healthy and rested as possible, but it all begins with this week's home game.”