The game between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals had a lot at stake, as the Broncos could clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie, while the Bengals needed a win to keep their own playoff hopes alive, and potentially affect the playoff hopes of the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts as well. The Bengals emerged victorious in the final minute of overtime, with quarterback Joe Burrow connecting with wide receiver Tee Higgins for the game-winning touchdown. This outcome adds complexity to the AFC playoff picture as the regular season wraps up and teams head into the final week of play.
The Denver Broncos’ path to the playoffs is straightforward – they just need to win their final game of the season. However, this game is against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions and No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the Chiefs may have the luxury of resting starters, they will likely want to finish the season with a strong record. A loss to the Chiefs would open up the playoff race for other teams, making it crucial for the Broncos to secure a win in their final matchup.
The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a step towards a potential playoff berth by defeating the Broncos, but they still need certain outcomes to fall in their favor. In addition to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final game, the Bengals need the Colts and Dolphins to lose one game each, and the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs. While some of these factors are outside of the Bengals’ control, they have shown resilience and the ability to overcome challenging odds in the past, making their playoff hopes feasible.
For the Indianapolis Colts to make the playoffs, they must win their remaining games against the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars. The team will also need the Dolphins to win all their games, creating a three-way tie for the Wild Card spot. If this scenario plays out and all teams finish with a 9-8 record, the Colts would advance based on their superior conference record. Overcoming the absence of starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Colts will need to secure victories and hope for the right combination of outcomes to qualify for the postseason.
The Miami Dolphins, like the Colts, need the Broncos to lose and must win their remaining games against the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets to secure a playoff spot. However, the Dolphins’ path to the playoffs also hinges on the Colts losing at least one game. With similar requirements as the Colts, including the need for certain teams to lose and the necessity of winning out, the Dolphins face a challenging road to postseason qualification.
As teams head into the final week of the regular season, the AFC playoff picture is uncertain and closely contested. The outcomes of key matchups will determine which teams secure the final Wild Card spots and advance to the postseason. With multiple teams vying for playoff berths and facing challenging opponents in the final week, the race for the playoffs promises to be competitive and full of suspense.
