The Denver Broncos are back in the win column after a Week 16 loss, as the Broncos picked up a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17.
Denver has now won 12 of their last 13 games after a 1-2 start. The Broncos also completed the season sweep of the Chiefs, a feat the franchise hasn't achieved since 2014.
With the win on Thursday over Kansas City, Sean Payton's squad is now 13-3 and will remain in first place in the AFC West heading into Week 18.
AFC West standings
1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4, will play Houston Texans in Week 17)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
4. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13, will play New York Giants in Week 17)
The Broncos are one step closer to finally clinching the AFC West. If the Los Angeles Chargers lose or tie to the Houston Texans on Saturday, Denver will be AFC West champions for the first time since 2015.
However, if the Chargers defeat the Texans, Denver and Los Angeles will meet in Week 18 for the division title in Denver.
AFC playoff picture
Denver also has a path to the No. 1 seed in Week 17 with their victory over Kansas City. If the Chargers lose or tie, the New England Patriots lose to the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills lose or tie to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Jacksonville Jaguars lose or tie to the Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos will be the top seed in the AFC and earn a first-round bye, along with home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
We'll see if that scenario comes to fruition, or if Denver will have some work to do in Week 18 to secure the No. 1 seed, and possibly even the AFC West.