The Denver Broncos will look to clinch their second consecutive AFC West title with multiple scenarios this week (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE).

The drama is all but over.  The AFC West will go to the Denver Broncos for their 12th division crown.  All that remains is the formality of the clinch and the reward of that most glorious “X” that will go next to their name in the standings denoting the guarantee of at least one home playoff game.

Last year, the Broncos needed a win to get in during Week 17, but like so many other years recently they were unable to secure a victory on the last day of the regular season.  Luckily, miraculously, or fortunately enough, the Chargers beat the Raiders to give the crown to the Broncos.  Backing into the playoffs wasn’t exactly what the team had in mind.

On this first Sunday of December, the Broncos couldn’t be farther from that situation and will have a number of different ways to secure the AFC West and begin focusing on a first round bye.  Here are the scenarios:

Denver can win the AFC West with a 1) win, 2) a tie and a San Diego tie or loss, or 3) a San Diego loss.

If the Broncos are able to seal up the AFC West championship, it will mark the earliest the team has qualified for the postseason since the 1998 Broncos clinched the AFC West in week 13 of that season.

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