We’re Trying to Catch Teams’: On the Verge of a Playoff Berth, Broncos Aim to Climb the AFC Standings

The Indianapolis Colts entered Sunday’s game with hopes of chasing down the Denver Broncos for the AFC’s No. 7 seed. However, it was the Broncos who continued their upward trajectory in the playoff race.

With a convincing 31-13 victory over the Colts—and thanks to the Chargers’ loss to the Buccaneers—Denver now sits as the AFC’s No. 6 seed, heading into Thursday night’s showdown against Los Angeles.

Climbing the AFC Ladder

“This is a team [the Colts] that’s been right on our heels,” said tight end Adam Trautman after the Broncos’ win. “But we’re looking ahead, trying to catch other teams and move up to the [No.] 5 spot to secure the best seeding possible. Obviously, though, our main focus is on the Chargers.”

According to the New York Times’ playoff simulations, Denver currently has a 48% chance of clinching either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the AFC. That percentage could skyrocket to over 80% if the Broncos defeat the Chargers on Thursday.

A victory would not only bolster their standing but also secure their first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50.

A Unique Opportunity Ahead

“It’s an incredible opportunity right in front of us,” said wide receiver Courtland Sutton. “I can’t even fully grasp it yet, but knowing that we’re in a position to improve our playoff seeding if we finish strong is an amazing feeling. We have a great stretch of games ahead, with some serious battles coming up.”

The Broncos’ road to the postseason continues with a trip to LA to face the Chargers, followed by an away game against the Bengals. They will then close the regular season at home against the Chiefs.

While Denver’s ninth win marks their first winning season since 2016, this team is setting its sights much higher.

“It feels great, but we’re not here just to notch a winning season,” said offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. “We’re here to win playoff games and compete for the big prize. This is just another step toward that goal, and it feels really, really good.”

The Sean Payton Factor

Head coach Sean Payton, hired this season to rejuvenate the Broncos, shares his team’s ambitious mindset. For Payton, the winning culture in Denver is what drew him to the organization in the first place.

“What attracted me was the tradition here—the years of consistent success and the importance of the game in this city,” Payton explained. “There are only a few places where football means this much, and Denver is one of them. The high expectations are a huge draw.”

Payton added: “If you’re in entertainment, you want to work in New York, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas, not Rhode Island. And if you’re in this league, you want to be somewhere where it truly matters. Here, it matters.”

Although Payton joked about celebrating Denver’s ninth win by making cupcakes for the media, he emphasized that this milestone is merely a stepping stone.

Focused on the Next Step

For the Broncos, their ninth win is a sign of progress, but they’re acutely aware that the job is far from finished.

“This is exactly where we want to be,” said McGlinchey. “Being on the brink of a playoff berth is exactly what we’ve been working toward.”

As Denver prepares for its final stretch, the focus remains on continuing their climb. With a playoff spot now within reach, the Broncos are aiming to make noise in January—and perhaps beyond.