The Denver Broncos enter their bye week holding the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 7-2 record, following a 26-21 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Their position leaves them behind only the Buffalo Bills, who hold a 7-1 mark, and ahead of several teams clustered at six wins.
Denver remains atop the AFC West, maintaining a lead over the Kansas City Chiefs (6-2), Las Vegas Raiders (4-5), and Los Angeles Chargers, who have yet to win this season, standing at 0-8. The Broncos’ 7-2 record distinguishes them as one of only two AFC teams with seven victories after Week 9, alongside the Bills.
The playoff picture in the AFC reflects a tight competition among several franchises. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals all hold 6-2 records, chasing the Broncos and Bills. Just outside the playoff spots are the New England Patriots at 5-4, the Cleveland Browns also at 5-4, and the Raiders and Baltimore Ravens, both 4-5. The Houston Texans, with a 3-5 record, remain in playoff contention but face a challenging path forward.
After the bye, Denver’s schedule includes a home game against Las Vegas in Week 11. That matchup offers a chance to widen the gap within the division. Week 12 will see the Broncos travel to Pittsburgh for a crucial road game. December then brings back-to-back games against the Bills and Patriots, matchups that could significantly affect the seeding in the AFC.
Denver’s current form has positioned them well in the race for playoff positioning. Their ability to hold the No. 2 seed after nine weeks signals consistent performance, especially as the competition tightens in the coming months. The Broncos’ upcoming fixtures will be closely watched, with the potential to reshape the AFC standings as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
According to Yahoo Sports.