After years of disappointing results, Denver entered Week 17 of the 2024 season at 9-6, a record good enough to hold the AFC's final playoff position. But after a loss to the Bengals, Sean Payton and the Broncos still have some work to do to lock in their spot.

The Broncos have three possible routes to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs in Week 18. The first and simplest path is to beat the Kansas City Chiefs at home. With the Chiefs expected to rest their key starters, getting a win should be a feasible task for Denver.

The Denver Broncos have twice had an opportunity to end their eight-year playoff drought. And twice they’ve come away losers. Now, with just one week left in the regular season, they will get one more shot to punch their ticket to the postseason with the Kansas City Chiefs coming to town.