The final spot on the AFC playoff bracket is up for grabs in Week 18
The Denver Broncos in Control of AFC Wild-Card Destiny Ahead of Week 18 Showdown
As the 2024 NFL regular season reaches its thrilling conclusion, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a commanding position to secure the final AFC wild-card spot. Heading into Week 18, their destiny is clear: win against the Kansas City Chiefs, and they’re in.
Fortunately for Denver, the Chiefs, who have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, will rest several key starters, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This decision by Kansas City could tilt the odds in Denver’s favor, giving the Broncos an ideal opportunity to cap off their season with a playoff-clinching victory.
However, Denver’s good fortune isn’t sitting well with the Miami Dolphins. Miami’s playoff hopes hinge on a two-part scenario: a victory against the New York Jets and a Denver loss to Kansas City. The Dolphins have had their share of challenges leading up to this must-win game. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to injury, Tyler Huntley stepped in and led Miami to a critical Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Now, all eyes are on Huntley and the Dolphins as they face the Jets with everything on the line.
Adding even more intrigue to the AFC playoff race are the Cincinnati Bengals, who are still alive after their Saturday night victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the Bengals to sneak into the postseason as the final wild-card team, they’ll need both Denver and Miami to falter in their games today.
Meanwhile, the NFC playoff picture is also taking shape. The Los Angeles Rams have their sights set on securing the No. 3 seed with a win over the Arizona Cardinals in their regular-season finale. Over in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Chargers wrap up their season against the Raiders before hitting the road as a wild-card team for the postseason.
As the final games of the season unfold, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams fighting for playoff survival. Whether it’s Denver taking control, Miami clinging to hope, or Cincinnati watching anxiously, Week 18 promises to deliver all the drama NFL fans could hope for.