For the first time in a decade, there will be a playoff game at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with their win over the Chargers on Sunday, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2015.
While the road to the top wasn’t pretty, there’s no denying Denver’s talent can stack up against any of their possible AFC opponents.
Here’s how the Broncos stack up against their four potential matchups.
Potential Division Showdown? — Los Angeles Chargers
While Denver did just beat the Chargers to close out their season, it’s nothing to brag about. Justin Herbert was rested throughout the matchup, along with several other key starters on both sides. At full health though, this matchup between AFC West foes has potential for a slugfest.
Los Angeles’ offensive potential is nothing short of elite, it’s just a matter of consistency. The Broncos’ standout defense allowed 23 points to them back in September, a showing of how good Herbert’s offense can be. They thrive on third downs, a down that the Broncos defense is notoriously great at defending (though they’ve struggled recently).
Keenan Allen is an X-factor for the Chargers. The franchise leader in receptions and receiving yards is having quite the renaissance this year, proving to be one of their most dynamic weapons. The potential matchup to watch though would be the defensive lines, with both teams utilizing dominant pass rushers.
Round Two — Buffalo Bills
With no Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson in this year’s playoffs, the time is now for Josh Allen and the Bills to full-throttle their streaky offense towards a deep playoff run. Denver would be out for revenge in this potential matchup, last year’s 31-7 Wild Card beatdown still fresh in their minds.
Both of these teams are different now, though. The Bills lack of a solid receiving core is extremely limiting, especially considering Denver’s daunting secondary. Reigning Defensive Player of The Year Patrick Surtain II and Brandon Jones would have no problem locking up Allen’s deep ball.
The run game, however, is much different. The Broncos would have to halt James Cook, the heart of Buffalo’s offense. Cook hit a new career high in rushing yards this season (1,621), along with averaging over 95 rushing yards per game.
Cook having to navigate Denver’s elite defensive line would be a fun watch, and if proven linemen like Zach Allen can seal running lanes, it’s going to be a long day for the Bills.
Houston [Texans], We Have A Defensive Matchup
This is Houston’s third straight year in the playoffs, a territory in which they’ve never been before. The Texans have also made it to the Divisional Round the past two seasons, making them prime candidates to face Denver come Divisional weekend.
This would be my personal favorite matchup — the two best defenses in football going at it in a win-or-go-home playoff game. The Texans and Broncos have allowed almost identical yards per game, Houston sitting at 277.2 and Denver at 278.2. Those marks are the two best in the NFL — and that defensive dominance showed back in their November matchup.
The biggest player to watch would be Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud and his squad haven’t lost a game since falling to the Broncos a few months ago. If he can establish a connection early with receiver Nico Collins and convert in the red zone, they’ll give the Broncos a run for their money.
The Broncos edge on Houston, however, is sacks — Denver led the NFL with 68, nine ahead of second place. Nik Bonitto and company would get the chance to penetrate a bottom-10 offensive line in football, and with home field advantage at Mile High, that might be Denver’s key to a potential victory.
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An Unlikely Threat — Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was a made field goal away from being fired last Sunday, but now has the opportunity to prove everyone wrong. Pittsburgh is fresh off their first AFC North victory since 2020, and with Aaron Rodgers playing like it’s 2014 again, this squad could make some noise.
Looking at the stat sheet, some might scratch their heads at how Pittsburgh snuck into the playoffs. This is a bottom-10 team in offensive, defensive, and special teams yards with a 42-year-old quarterback. Their one strength? Close game victories — the Broncos’ specialty.
The Steelers are 7-3 in one score games this season, one of the best marks in the NFL. Luckily for Denver, they lead the NFL in one score games, boasting an 11-2 record.
If all goes according to plan, the Broncos should have no problem sending Pittsburgh packing. Playing a poor defense would be perfect for Bo Nix to settle back into the groove, especially coming off a bye week.
Broncos Control Their Own Destiny
Among the four potential Divisional Round matchups the Broncos can have, each one of them feels very winnable no matter how you put it. Denver is the No. 1 seed for a reason. Their talent is off the charts, especially considering their injury struggles this season.
No matter their opponent, the Broncos have to be on their toes — their inconsistencies on all sides of the ball have hurt them the most, and to go deep into January they have to find a way to limit those.
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