AFC playoff scenarios, Week 15: Bengals, Broncos can clinch

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Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Ron Parker (38) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Record: 8-5
Current seed: No. 5
Remaining schedule: at Baltimore, vs. Cleveland, vs. Oakland

Where they stand

Kansas City is the most improbable story of the season. After starting out the campaign at 1-0, the Chiefs dropped their next five games and watched as superstar running back Jamaal Charles tore his ACL. At 1-5, people began talking about Andy Reid potentially getting the boot, and then the magic happened. Kansas City has reeled off seven straight victories, including a stretch where it did not play at Arrowhead Stadium for over a month.

Now, the Chiefs are sitting in the fifth slot of the AFC playoff picture and face a very nice schedule the rest of the way.

What needs to happen

The Chiefs are not likely to win the AFC West, so the wild card is the easiest route. If Kansas City wins its final three games, it is assured of a playoff berth. If the Chiefs simply beat the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns each of the next two weeks, and either the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Jets lose once, they clinch an appearance. For the division, the Chiefs need to outplay the Denver Broncos by one game over the final three weeks.

It is not likely considering Denver’s schedule, but it is not out of the question either.

Next: 6. New York Jets

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