Are the Broncos eliminated from playoffs? Where Bo Nix and co. stand after gut-wrenching 30-24 overtime loss to Bengals

The Denver Broncos have had a major turnaround in 2024. For the first time since Pryton Manning's retirement, they have a potential franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, and the results under him have been splendid.

However, the celebrations cannot happen just yet, as on Saturday, they suffered a 30-24 overtime loss at Joe Burrow's resurgent Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati had looked dead after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers off their bye week, only to go on a tear.

Still, there's hope for the Broncos. Sean Payton and his charges have one thing to do to enter the playoffs for the first time since Super Bowl 50.

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Broncos' playoff chances after loss at Bengals

The Broncos clearly cannot afford a three-way tie at 9-8, because tiebreaks will go against them. They cannot tie with the Miami Dolphins, who will clinch the playoffs via tiebreak.

No tie with the Miami Dolphins

And, of course, there's the Bengals, who beat Denver. Even the Colts, whom the Bengals beat 31-13, will get in in case of a tie via intraconference record (7-5 vs. 5-7), then win-over-the-other against the Dolphins.

That leads to the ways in which the Broncos can join the playoffs. There are two of them:

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Broncos' playoff scenarios after loss at Bengals

There are only two events that will help the Broncos make the playoffs at 9-8. That is if the Steelers win, sinking the Bengals to 8-9, and the Dolphins and Colts lose at least one of their next two games.

However, the quickest way to make the playoffs is to not lose to the Kansas City Chiefs (even a draw would be enough) and eliminate all complications:

Even just a draw will suffice for the Broncos

They will, however, have to play perfectly against the defending Super Bowl champions, who are expected to rest their starters after clinching the top seed on Christmas. Coach Sean Payton cannot afford any mistakes like kicking in the extra point when a two-pointer would have ended the playoff race.

As tight end Adaum Trautman best put it, the team is in control of their destiny. Even the Chiefs' B-unit is deadly, with a former MVP candidate in Carson Wentz leading the offense and an absurd receving cast to complement him. If Bo Nix and company are to avoid defeat, they must be focused and not be complacent.