Where Broncos, Jaguars sit in AFC playoff picture after Week 16 matchup

The Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars met for a key AFC matchup in Week 16, and the Jaguars came away with the victory on the road.

Jacksonville completely dominated Denver on its home field for most of the game. Trevor Lawrence and the offense were nearly unstoppable, while the defense made Bo Nix and the Broncos uncomfortable.

With their win over the Broncos on Sunday, the Jaguars have made things very interesting in the AFC with just two weeks remaining. Let's take a look at the current AFC playoff picture.

AFC playoff picture

1. Denver Broncos (12-3)

2. New England Patriots (11-3, will play Baltimore Ravens in Week 16)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)

5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)

6. Buffalo Bills (11-4)

7. Houston Texans (10-5)

Outside looking in: Indianapolis Colts (8-6, will play San Francisco 49ers in Week 16), Baltimore Ravens (7-7, will play New England Patriots in Week 16)

Despite the loss, the Broncos retained the top spot, and the Jaguars stayed at No.3. However, Jacksonville could move up to No.2 if New England falls to Baltimore on Sunday Night, as the Jaguars own the advantage in conference games over the Patriots.

Additionally, Jacksonville now has a clear path to the No.1 seed with the head-to-head advantage over Denver, but the Broncos have already clinched a playoff spot and still control their destiny in the AFC. The Jaguars have yet to clinch a playoff berth, but that seems inevitable.

The Jaguars will finish the 2025 campaign with a road game versus the Indianaoplis Colts and a home date with the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos will head to Arrowhead on Christmas day to square off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, and will conclude the regular season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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