NFL Playoff Scenarios: Broncos Will Destroy Dreams of Other AFC West Hopefuls

With only two weeks left, it;s clear that there is a lot that can happen in terms of the NFL playoffs. Except for the AFC West which is all but wrapped up. 

The Broncos will arch into the postseason for the first time in six years, and it won't be due to some mystical entity bestowing Tim Tebow with spiritual powers. It will come from the Broncos being a better team than the Bills, and the Chargers and Raiders squandering their chances. 

The Broncos have a great look at clinching a playoff berth before Christmas morning. All they have to do is win, and the Raiders should handle the rest. 

For the Chargers, they are trying to once again to come back from a dismal stint of games. It seems every season they dig themselves a hole in which they try to get out from. Once again, it will prove a fruitless endeavor. 

Raiders and Chargers

Both teams need help to get into the postseason. The Raiders are mired in a funk that I have no confidence they can get out of. The Chargers have a game that will prove problematic despite their return to form. 

The Lions pass rush should stifle Philip Rivers who has returned to post a few consistent efforts that has almost erased his awful showing during the rest of the season. I have the Raiders and Chargers pegged for losses, not that it should matter. 

Broncos

With a Broncos win and a Raiders loss, all this talk is moot. Denver takes on the Buffalo Bills who are as cold as any team comes. 

If you want to get into the playoffs, it helps playing a team that beats itself more than any other. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been questionable in his decision-making and the Bills can always be counted on to have penalties called on them. 

This is a rare game in which Tim Tebow's magic won't be needed. Denver is primed to skate into the playoffs for the first time in six years. 

Follow @gabezal