NFL News: Updated AFC Playoff Picture Following Shocking Bengals Win
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Saturday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals had a lot on the line.
If the Broncos won or tied, they would clinch the final Wild Card spot for the American Football Conference.
If the Bengals won, then it would keep the playoff hopes alive for not just Cincinnati, but the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts as well.
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In the final minute of overtime, the Bengals were able to come out on top after quarterback Joe Burrow threw and excellent pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins, his third of the game.
Needless to say, this makes the AFC playoff picture a bit more complicated. So as we wrap up Week 17 and head into Week 18, here’s what the final four qualifying teams need to qualify for the postseason.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Denver Broncos: Beat Chiefs
In order to make the playoffs, the Denver Broncos simply have to win their final game of the season. Simple, right?
Normally it would be. However, their final game of the season is against the Kansas City Chiefs: reigning two-time Super Bowl champions and No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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Since the Chiefs have clinched the top spot in the playoffs, there is a chance they could rest their starters for the final week.
That being said, Kansas City is a prideful team, and Patrick Mahomes and company will want to finish the season with a 16-1 record.
If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs, the routes for other teams to make it into the playoffs open widely.
Cincinnati Bengals: Beat Steelers, Broncos Lose, Colts and Dolphins Lose Once
Having beat the Broncos, the Bengals are already on their way to a potential playoff berth. Still, there are some other things that need to happen in order to clinch that final Wild Card spot.
First, the Bengals need the Colts and the Dolphins to lose one game each. That means Indianapolis needs to lose to either the Giants or the Jaguars and Miami needs to lose to either the Browns or the Jets. That’s right Bengals fans, you may have to root for the Browns.
In addition to this, Cincinnati also needs the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs. Still out of the Bengals’ hands, but not impossible.
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Finally, the Bengals need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. The last time these division rivals met was a high-scoring affair with the Steelers coming out on top, 44-38.
Cincinnati will need to step up their game more than ever to pull this off. That being said, this team has faced impossible odds before. If any team can pull this off, it’s the Bengals.
Indianapolis Colts: Beat Giants and Jaguars, Broncos Lose, Dolphins and/or Bengals Win Out
In order for the Colts to make the playoffs, they’ll have to defeat the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not necessarily difficult, but it will be harder to win without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The next part is where things get difficult. Because of the NFL’s playoff tiebreaker rules, the Colts also need the Dolphins to win the rest of their games. This means that there is a three-way tie for the spot, enacting the “three or more clubs” set of rules.
Assuming all three teams reach 9-8, the Colts will have the better conference record, pushing them into the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: Beat Browns and Jets, Broncos Lose, Colts Lose One Game
The Dophins’ playoff scenario is similar to the Colts: they need the Broncos to lose and they need to beat the last two teams they face: the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.
The only difference is that the Dolphins need the Colts to lose to guarantee their playoff spot.
More NFL: Colts Officially Rule Out Anthony Richardson for Week 17 Playoff Decider
For more NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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