Mile High Report
While the Denver Broncos were enjoying their BYE week and still riding high on their big win over the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, there were some developments in the AFC playoff picture. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ reign as the number one seed in the AFC lasted just one week due to the New England Patriots improving to 10-2 with a victory over the Bengals. However, the Broncos are the 2 seed due to the Colts blowing a 4th quarter lead to the Chiefs and falling to them overtime.
We also had a change in the AFC North with the Ravens jumping the Steelers as the division winner, while the Texans and Chiefs keep their postseason hopes alive with big wins.
With all that said, let us take a look at the playoff picture in the AFC and how things may shake out as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday.
With a win over the Bengals, the Patriots are the first team in the NFL to reach 10 wins, and for now at least, jumped the Broncos in the AFC standings as the number one seed.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is playing at a high level, their defense is playing well, and Head Coach Mike Vrabel has this team playing good football. On top of that, they have a favorable schedule and have been taking care of business all season, and now are one of the favorites to be the number one seed in the AFC for the playoffs.
Next up for the Patriots is a two-win Giants team before their much-needed BYE, followed by two big games vs. the Bills and at the Ravens, before finishing up their year against the Jets and Dolphins. How they handle the Bills and Ravens may decide how the top of the AFC shakes out at the end of the season.
Remaining Games: vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, and vs. Dolphins
The Broncos players, coaches, and fan base were riding high this week after their big win vs. the Chiefs last Sunday and were enjoying their time off this week before their second-half postseason run. As I mentioned prior, they did fall from the 1 seed to the 2 seed due to the Patriots winning, but are still very much in the conversation.
Coming out of the bye, they should be getting back All-Pro and reigning Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Patrick Surtain II, along with linebacker Alex Singleton, tight end Nate Adkins, and hopefully, edge rusher Jonah Elliss. These additions will help an already elite defense while giving the offense a key blocking specialist back.
They have back-to-back road games vs. the Commanders and Raiders, followed by back-to-back home games vs. the Packers and Jaguars. After that, they have a Christmas Night game vs. the Chiefs and finish out the year with a game vs. the Chargers. It won’t be an easy road ahead,...
