At 8-2, the Denver Broncos are tied for the best record in the NFL. Two other teams (Colts, Patriots) have the same weekend through Week 10. So, how does the playoff bracket currently shake up?
The Broncos currently sit in the No. 2 position in the AFC, ahead of the Patriots but behind the Colts. The Colts had to survive in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin on Sunday to avoid a second straight loss. Back in Week 2, the Broncos and Colts went head-to-head, and it was an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the last play of the game that cost the Broncos.
Colts kicker Spencer Shrader attempted a 60-yard field goal that went wide right. But Dondrea Tillman of the Broncos was called for using leverage to try and block the kick, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty. With another attempt from 45 yards, Shrader drilled the kick and the Colts won 29-28.
That 1-point result is the only thing separating the Broncos from the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That, of course, is a huge difference, as the No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye and the No. 2 seed has to host a playoff game.
The Broncos would be the No. 2 seed in the AFC if the season ended today, meaning they would play at Empower Field in the Wild Card round. The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently the No. 7 seed and would face the Broncos in that instance.
The Jaguars would not be an easy out as they have wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs this season and would be hungry to upset the Broncos in Denver the same way they did back in 1996.
The Broncos could be a dangerous team if they can get that No. 1 seed, meaning the team would have home-field advantage in the playoffs and that is a huge advantage for a team with the best defense in the league.
READ: There might be a logical explanation for Broncos' offensive woes
The Broncos' next test comes next Sunday when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.
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