Broncos can clinch AFC's No. 1 seed three different ways in Week 18

Matt Sullivan

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Broncos can clinch AFC's No. 1 seed three different ways in Week 18 image

The Denver Broncos enter Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season with a very strong chance of securing the number 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.

After a win in Week 17 over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day and the Los Angeles Chargers' loss a few days later, the Broncos are already AFC West champions.

To clinch the top seed in the AFC, the Broncos can do so in three different ways, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. One is a very straightforward scenario, while the other two are much more unlikely to happen.

How Broncos can clinch AFC's No. 1 seed in 3 ways

The simplest way is with a win, but there are two other paths for Denver to secure the top seed regardless of a win or not in Week 18.

If the Broncos end up tying with the Chargers in Week 18, then they could still secure the AFC's top seed if the New England Patriots either lose or tie their matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

And if the Broncos end up losing to the Chargers, then they could still earn the top seed if the Patriots lose, and also if the Jacksonville Jaguars either lose or tie their matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Denver controls its own destiny this season and could ignore the need for New England and Jacksonville to lose their matchups if it beats the Chargers.

MORE: Broncos inch closer to No. 1 seed, two teams can still prevent it

Fortunately for Denver, the Chargers are making a bold decision to sit Justin Herbert for this matchup.

Instead of trotting out their franchise quarterback and trying to stop the Broncos from getting the top seed, home-field advantage and a first-round bye, the Chargers are opting for rest.

It makes Denver's path to the top seed very clear. But in the event the Broncos suffer a brutal loss, if the Patriots and Jaguars both lose, then the Broncos would still manage to earn the top seed in the AFC this season.

Denver's best bet is to win in Week 18; otherwise, the Patriots or Jaguars, facing lesser teams, could very well surpass the Broncos for the top spot in the AFC.

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Contributing Writer