The Denver Broncos kick things off in Week 17 and become the first team this week to earn a win. as they took down the Kansas City Chiefs in dramatic fashion. It was another divsional game on a short week, and it went as expected.
However, wins look the same in the record and in the standings, so it's good that Denver simply took care of business here. Now that this win is out of the way, the Broncos can return home, enjoy their mini-bye, and watch and root for certain teams to take care of business themselves.
Let's see how the updated AFC Playoff Picture looks following Denver's massive win.
Updated look at the AFC Playoff Picture following Denver Broncos' massive Week 17 win
(1) Denver Broncos, 13-3
The Denver Broncos remain atop the AFC and still control their own destiny in the division. If the team beats the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, no matter what else happens, they own the top seed for the entire playoffs.
(2) New England Patriots, 12-3
The New England Patriots are the second seed in the AFC, and the Denver Broncos do have a key tiebreaker over this team, so if both were to finish with 13 or 14 wins, Denver gets the higher seed.
(3) Jacksonville Jaguars, 11-4
The Jacksonville Jaguars are surging at the right time and did just beat the Broncos in Denver, so that is something to take note of. The Jags might still be a year away, but this team could easily win the AFC South and make some noise in the playoffs.
(4) Pittsburgh Steelers, 9-6
It's hard to envision the Pittsburgh Steelers being able to win a game in the playoffs, as this team is quite average, but they are 9-6 and are the overwhelming favorite to win the AFC North this year.
(5) Los Angeles Chargers, 11-4
The Los Angeles Chargers could still win out and win the AFC West this year, but if the Chargers lose to the Houston Texans in Week 17, the Broncos win the division for the first time since 2015.
(6) Buffalo Bills, 11-4
The Buffalo Bills are still hanging around and still alive in the AFC East, but it's not looking promising for them. Buffalo might be a Wild Card team good enough to make a Super Bowl run this year.
(7) Houston Texans, 10-5
The Houston Texans are another fun Wild Card team that could make a very deep playoff run - Houston has since gone 10-2 after a brutal 0-3 start. The defense is top-tier, and the offense is going to be in a good spot with CJ Stroud leading the way.