Broncos Can Clinch AFC No. 1 With Win as Patriots Need Help in Week 18

Denver holds the tiebreaker over New England, making a win over a Herbert-resting Chargers team enough to secure the conference’s lone bye.

Overview

Both Denver and New England enter Week 18 at 13-3, with the Broncos owning the common-opponents tiebreaker over the Patriots.
The Broncos clinch the No. 1 seed with a win over the Chargers, and they can also clinch with a tie if New England loses or ties.
Denver would still take the top seed with a loss if New England loses to Miami and Jacksonville loses or ties against Tennessee.
The Patriots can claim the No. 1 seed only with a win over the Dolphins plus a Denver loss or tie, or with a tie if the Broncos lose.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Justin Herbert will rest, and oddsmakers have installed Denver as a double-digit favorite.