How KC’s win can help the Broncos
By Aric Manthey
Scenario #1- KC/DENVER both get to 11-5. KC Wins AFC West based on tie breaker. KC is #3 seed, Denver is #5 seed. NYJ or Pitt go 10-6 and get the #6 seed.
As we all know by now, we only need one more win to get us into the playoffs. Although I think we’ll manage to get a
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Texans 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
victory in one of these last two games, I’m not so such we’ll be able to get both victories. As crazy as it may sound, that may not be a bad thing. As the #5 seed, Denver would go on to play whoever ends up winning the underwhelming AFC South.
On the flip side, KC would have to play either the Jets or Steelers at home. Now let’s be honest here, if you had your choice of playoff opponents, the opponent for the #5 seed is much more appealing than the #3 seed.
The Broncos would face a team that’s on its 4th string QB and little offensive talent around him (Houston) or a slumping team on its 3rd string QB and an awful defense(Indy).
As for KC, they’d have to face a surging team that has a dangerous offense and has won as a wild card before (Steelers) or a team with a good offense and great defense playing well at the right time (Jets)?
If you take away the seeding, any Bronco fan would rather take the opponent as the #5 seed over the #3 seed. The only downside? It would be on the road. The good thing about that? The Broncos have actually been a better team on the road this season.
On paper, things would actually line up better for the Broncos beyond that.
Denver faces AFC South Champion
KC faces a dangerous Jets/Steelers team.
Jets/Steelers beat KC and face #1 Seed (New England)
Denver beats AFC South Champion and plays #2 Seed (Cincy)
This could be a likely outcome in this scenario. If the #6 seed took care of KC, they would not only knock the Chiefs out of the playoffs, but would then have to face off against NE. Denver could win the first game and go into the divisional round against an opponent that hasn’t won a playoff game in over 20 years and may still have its back up QB in the starting line up.
The #6 seed would go into NE to face off against a banged up Patriots team and have the momentum on their side, possibly sneaking away with the victory.
And as crazy as it sounds, we could be looking at #5 seed Broncos hosting a #6 seed Jets/Steelers in the AFC Championship under this scenario.