NFL Playoff Predictions: Denver Broncos Won't Lose Control of AFC West

After the Denver Broncos lost to the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15, the AFC West picture has become even more muddled.

The AFC West hasn't exactly been a picture of dominance this season. The 8-6 Broncos lead the division by a game over the Oakland Raiders, and the Chargers are right there at 7-7.

The only division that may rival the AFC West in terms of mediocrity is the disappointing NFC East.

So, who will be the best of the worst in the AFC West?

My money is still on the Broncos to win the division.

The Broncos loss to the Patriots in Week 15 was predictable. They aren't nearly on the same level as the Patriots, even with the Patriots' recent struggles.

But they are still the team with the best chance of winning the AFC West.

Before Sunday's game, the Broncos had won their last six games and were 7-1 with Tim Tebow as the starter. Although their defense isn't good enough to stop elite offenses like the Patriots, it should be good enough to stop the Broncos' next two opponents, the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bills, after getting off to an explosive start, have since seen quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick crumble and star running back Fred Jackson go down to injury.

On top of that, they entered Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins giving up 26.2 points per game and proceeded to cede 30 points on the day. They allowed Reggie Bush to rush for 203 yards on 25 carries.

As for the Chiefs, they just scored a stunner against the Green Bay Packers, handing them their first loss of the season.

But I don't see them all of a sudden going on a run. I consider it a fluke game and the Broncos will prove this in Week 17.

There has been a lot of moving and shaking in the AFC West this season, but Tebow and the Broncos will emerge as the division champions.