Denver Broncos Clinch #1 Seed in the AFC and Reclaim AFC West Supremacy After a Decade

The Denver Broncos have officially surged back to the top of the AFC, securing the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs behind a dominant 14–3 regular-season record — their best since the franchise’s last championship season in 2015. 

In a decisive 19–3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers to close out the regular season, the Broncos locked up not only the AFC West division title but also home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. It marks the first time in 10 years the team has earned the conference’s top seed and a coveted first-round bye. 

Led by quarterback Bo Nix — who threw for over 3,900 yards this season — and a relentless defense that finished with a league-leading sack total, Denver has shown a balanced and resilient identity all year. Nix’s dual-threat ability and clutch late-game performances propelled the Broncos through tough divisional battles and key road wins. 

The Broncos’ defense was the backbone of the team’s success, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks and limiting big plays. In their clinching game, standout performances from the secondary and defensive line ensured Denver controlled the tempo from start to finish. 

AFC West rivals finished well behind Denver, with the Chargers ending the year at 11–6, while the Chiefs — long-time division leaders — slogged through a disappointing campaign. 

With home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs, the Broncos will host their first postseason game at Empower Field at Mile High and face a lower-seeded opponent in the Divisional Round. Denver fans, buoyed by a decade of rebuilding, are now dreaming of a return to the Super Bowl stage. This season’s success has reignited Broncos Country and set the bar high for the postseason push ahead.