The Denver Broncos are 12-2, and looking to potentially wrap up the AFC's number one seed in the final three weeks of the season.
With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15, the Broncos now have a clear path to a top spot in the AFC, and potentially even a Super Bowl.
But who is the Broncos' top competition in the playoffs? While the New England Patriots are second only to the Broncos in the AFC, Ben Solak of ESPN has Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills as the top competition for Bo Nix and the Broncos this playoffs.
Why Broncos' top competition in AFC playoffs are Josh Allen-led Bills
"The biggest worry for Denver and the rest of the conference must be the Bills and Josh Allen." Solak writes. "The league's reigning MVP can go Super Saiyan at the drop of a hat - but it's not Allen's excellence that is particularly terrifying."
While the Broncos have an elite defense, there are some concerns about the offense at times, and the special teams unit has the occasional hiccup. They aren't a complete, all-rounder type of team. The Bills, on the other hand, are in Solak's opinion.
"As the Broncos discovered in Orchard Park last season when they were bounced from the playoffs, the Bills are a complete team." Solak writes.
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While the Broncos' defense might be great at stopping receivers in man coverage and limiting explosive plays, the Bills' offense doesn't rely on those traditional marks of a good offense. They grind teams down with their running game and use their receivers sparingly.
Solak's overarching point as to why the Bills and Josh Allen are the biggest competition for the Broncos is how these two teams match up.
Denver might have the better defense and an ascending offense, but the Bills have an offense that can counter the Broncos' defense and a defense that can play tight when needed.
Of course, the Broncos are still the AFC favorites, but Denver has some clear top competition this playoff cycle, with the Bills being the toughest matchup left for Denver this season if the two teams meet in the playoffs.
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