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20h ago

Broncos Hold Inside Track to AFC No. 1 Seed as Chargers Sit Justin Herbert

New England can only take the top spot with a Week 18 win over Miami coupled with a Denver loss because of a common-opponents tiebreaker.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is hit in the face mask by the Chargers Daiyan Henley (0) during the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. The Houston Texans defeated the Chargers 20-16 in a National Football League (NFL) game. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
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Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins celebrates with teammates during the win against the Jets on Dec. 28.
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Overview

  • Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Justin Herbert will not start in Denver, a decision that could lessen Los Angeles' chances against the conference leader.
  • Denver has clinched the AFC West and will secure the first-round bye and home-field advantage with a Week 18 win over Los Angeles.
  • New England clinched the AFC East and needs to beat the Dolphins and see Denver lose to claim No. 1, while a Patriots loss paired with a Jaguars win could drop them to No. 3.
  • Jacksonville remains alive for the top seed but must defeat Tennessee and have both Denver and New England lose in Week 18.
  • Six AFC playoff spots are set, and the Steelers-Ravens game will decide the final berth and the AFC North title.