Overview
- Denver is the betting favorite at -175 to claim the AFC’s top seed, which includes a first-round bye and home-field advantage.
- The Broncos can clinch as early as Sunday if the Chargers, Patriots, Bills and Jaguars all lose, or by beating Los Angeles in Week 18.
- New England has clinched a playoff berth at 12-3 and can still secure the No. 1 seed only by winning its final two games and having Denver lose to the Chargers in Week 18.
- Los Angeles plays Houston on Saturday; a win would set up a Week 18 showdown with Denver for the AFC West title and keep the Chargers highly motivated, whereas a loss could lessen their incentive.
- The Chargers listed four key players out and three questionable for the Texans game, an injury situation described as a “disaster” by an SI.com correspondent.