What must happen in Week 18

The Denver Broncos have twice had an opportunity to end their eight-year playoff drought. And twice they’ve come away losers.

Now, with just one week left in the regular season, they will get one more shot to punch their ticket to the postseason with the Kansas City Chiefs coming to town.

While that might normally be cause for concern, it appears highly likely that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will sit his starters after the team clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs last Wednesday. That said, these games aren’t played on paper.

Even though a win isn’t required for the Broncos to secure the seventh and final seed in the AFC bracket, it’s their easiest path. With the Colts inexplicably losing to the New York Giants on Sunday, the number of teams vying for the final AFC spot has shrunk to three: Miami, Cincinnati and Denver.

Here’s a look at each of the scenarios…

Denver Broncos

Week 18 opponent: vs. Kansas City, TBA

Broncos clinch No. 7 seed with…

+ Denver wins OR

+ Denver ties OR

+ Miami AND Cincinnati lose

Broncos eliminated if…

+ Denver loses AND Miami OR Cincinnati wins

Miami Dolphins

Week 18 opponent: at New York Jets, TBA

Dolphins clinch No. 7 seed if…

+ Miami wins AND Denver loses

Dolphins eliminated if…

+ Miami loses OR

+ Broncos win

Cincinnati Bengals

Week 18 opponent: at Pittsburgh, TBA

Bengals clinch No. 7 seed if…

+ Bengals win AND Denver AND Miami lose

Bengals eliminated if…

+ Bengals lose OR

+ Denver wins OR

+ Denver ties OR

+ Miami wins