Current Situation: Who’s in the Driver's Seat?

The Denver Broncos are currently positioned to take that coveted playoff spot. They simply need to win one of their final two games: either against the Bengals or the Chiefs. If they succeed, they will clinch their playoff berth without any further complications.

For the remaining three teams—Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts—the path to the playoffs is less straightforward and hinges on both their performance and the outcomes of other games.

What the Bengals Need to Secure a Playoff Spot:

- Win both remaining games against the Broncos and Steelers

- Broncos must lose both against Cincinnati and Kansas City

- Colts must lose at least one game (against the Giants or Jaguars)

- Dolphins must also lose at least one game (against the Browns or Jets)

Analysis: If the Bengals can secure a victory over the Broncos, they'll keep their playoff hopes alive through to Week 18, irrespective of other results. However, their future is complicated: The Chiefs could rest their starters in their final game, potentially aiding a Denver win. Additionally, the Colts have the easiest remaining schedule facing off against the struggling Giants and Jaguars. Although they will miss quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is sidelined due to injury, veteran Joe Flacco will step in, which may still pose a challenge for the Bengals.

What the Colts Need:

- Win both remaining games against the Giants and Jaguars

- Dolphins must win both matches against the Browns and Jets

- Broncos must lose both against the Bengals and Chiefs

Analysis: If the Colts can win out and Miami prevails in their matches, they will finish tied with the Broncos at 9-8. Despite losing to Denver earlier in the season, the Colts could secure the playoff spot thanks to a favorable head-to-head tiebreaker with Miami. If the Bengals also win out, the Colts could benefit from a more complex tiebreaker scenario.

What the Dolphins Need:

- Win both remaining games against the Browns and Jets

- Broncos must lose both against the Bengals and Chiefs

- Colts must lose at least one more game against either the Giants or Jaguars

Analysis: In a tie with Denver, the Dolphins would clinch a playoff berth based on a superior conference record. Their chances are complicated by the potential absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to a hip injury, which could force Tyler Huntley into a starting role. If Miami can win out and Denver falters, they could find themselves in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts:

If the Broncos manage to defeat the Bengals this Saturday, the playoff scenarios become moot, as that would secure Denver a spot in the postseason. As we enter the final week of regular-season matchups, every game will matter, and fans can expect thrilling finishes as teams fight for their playoff lives. Who will emerge victorious in this electrifying contest for the AFC playoff spot remains to be seen!