AFC playoff picture: Denver Broncos take the #2 seed position

November 2, 2026

The Denver Broncos have solidified their position as the AFC’s second seed after an 8-week start to the 2026 NFL season, thanks to a hard-fought 28-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. With a 6-2 record and a commanding lead in the AFC West, the Broncos have navigated a challenging early stretch and now enter the season’s second half with a clear path to playoff contention.

Their upcoming schedule features a mix of manageable matchups and high-stakes showdowns, including a road game against the Carolina Panthers and a bye week before facing the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers—who currently top the AFC North and hold the third seed in the conference. The Broncos’ most critical games loom later in the season: a Black Friday clash at Pittsburgh, a Christmas Day showdown against the Buffalo Bills (the top seed), and a road trip to face the New England Patriots.

These matchups could determine their final seeding, as all three teams remain in playoff contention.