NFL Playoff Scenarios: Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals Are Far from Locks

Headed into Week 17, the Denver Broncos are in control of the AFC West while the Cincinnati Bengals hold the AFC's No. 6 seed.

But that could all change in a hurry.

Three AFC teams—the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets—are close behind in the postseason push, and if the Broncos and Bengals lose in Week 17, they both could conceivably be ousted from the playoffs.

Let's take a look at the Broncos' matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs are not the same 5-8 team they once were under Todd Haley. After Haley's firing, they've gone 1-1 under interim coach Romeo Crennel, including a win against the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers. They lost by a field goal against the Raiders in Week 16.

On top of this, the Broncos have lost their last two games, and savior Tim Tebow has committed six turnovers in the last three games. Both teams appear to be headed in opposite directions right now.

As for the Bengals, they have a promising young offense led by quarterback Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, but I worry about their offense against a defense such as the Baltimore Ravens, who will be playing for the AFC's No. 2 seed and a first-round bye on Sunday.

The Ravens have been inconsistent this season, but with a lot on the line I expect them to come out firing on both sides of the ball against the Bengals.

In the end, I see the Broncos edging the Chiefs in a close battle and the Bengals losing to the Ravens, giving up the No. 6 seed to the Raiders.

But one play in either game could change everything.