Broncos clinch playoff spot with victory, but Chiefs still can win division

The Broncos’ victory over the Bengals on Monday night clinched a playoff spot for Denver, and it also means the Broncos are in the driver’s seat for a first-round bye in the playoffs.

But they also could surrender the AFC West title to the Chiefs.

The Broncos improved to 11-4 with the 20-17 overtime triumph over Cincinnati and hold a one-game lead over the Chiefs, 10-5.

Sunday, the Broncos play host to the Chargers and the Chiefs are at home against the Raiders.

The Broncos can clinch at least the No. 2 seed, and a first-round bye in the playoffs, with a victory. They can even get the No. 1 seed if they win and the Patriots lose to the Dolphins.

But if Denver loses and the Chiefs win, Kansas City becomes the West champion because it holds a tiebreaker over the Broncos, a better division record. The Chiefs would be the third seed.

The other seed possibilities for the Chiefs are No. 5 and No. 6. The Chiefs will be the fifth seed if they finish behind the Broncos and are tied with either the Jets or Steelers.

Kansas City will be the sixth seed if it loses and the Jets defeat the Bills.

AFC playoff picture (entering Week 17)

1. New England

2. Denver

3. Cincinnati

4. Houston

5. Kansas City

6. New York Jets

Wild-card round, Jan. 9 and 10

Chiefs at Texans

Jets at Bengals

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Broncos clinch playoff spot with victory, but Chiefs still can win division."