What do the Broncos need to make the playoffs? Denver's Week 15 scenarios explored 

Given that they are currently tied with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens for the three AFC Wild Card places at 8-5, it's safe to say that the Denver Broncos have taken many by surprise this season.

The Broncos are ranked seventh in the AFC due to their losses in head-to-head tiebreaker games against Los Angeles and Baltimore, though they still have a chance to pass both teams.

Depending on how their remaining four games go as well as how the Ravens and Chargers perform, the Broncos still have the chance to move up to the fifth spot in the AFC playoff picture.

Broncos' playoff scenarios after going 8-5

The Denver Broncos haven't qualified for the NFL playoffs in eight years, but they would be on the cusp of breaking that drought this season if they can beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

On the other hand, the Broncos' chances of making the postseason would be significantly weakened if they were to lose to the Colts this weekend.

If they manage to beat the Colts in Week 15 and the Houston Texans also take care of business against the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos will be 9-5 going into Week 16 at SoFi Stadium, where they will play the Los Angeles Chargers for a chance to secure their postseason ticket.

Although there is more than one path for the Broncos to secure a postseason berth, winning two more games — including one against the Colts — and hoping the Dolphins lose one more game is the simplest route to take.

The Broncos have a clear route to the playoffs: if they continue to win, they will qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Denver Broncos' playoff scenario explored

While it appears Denver is poised to qualify for the postseason, Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor projects that the team will experience a collapse at the end of the season that will ultimately see them miss out on playoff qualification.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

According to the tool, the Broncos will finish the season with an 8-9 record after they lose their final four games, prolonging their postseason absence to nine years.

The prediction tool also estimates that Denver will finish 10th in the AFC and third place in the AFC West division, behind the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Given the current state of the AFC Wild Card scenario, the Broncos wouldn't have to worry about this prediction if they can win all four of their remaining games this season.

Do you think the Denver Broncos will qualify for the postseason this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.