Week 17 has come and gone, and the AFC Playoff picture is becoming clearer as we head into the final week of the 2025 regular season. Both the Broncos and Patriots clinched their divisions this week,

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized Sunday,

The Denver Broncos improved to 13-3 this season after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 20-13 on Christmas Day.

The Los Angeles Chargers have clinched a playoff berth, but they also control their own destiny for the AFC West. If they win their final two games, then they'll jump the Denver Broncos. L.A. would own the tiebreaker against Denver by virtue of a 2-0 head-to-head record.

Losses for the Packers and Chargers on Saturday were wins for the Bears and Broncos, who clinched their divisions in front of the TV.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun is set to make his first career start this week in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas game against the Denver Broncos tomorrow night.

The complete list of 2026 opponents will be finalized after the 2025 regular season concludes, and the finalized schedule will be announced with dates and times next spring, presumably in May. For now, Denver's focused on this week's opponent -- the Chargers -- but it's never too early for fans and pundits to look ahead to what's next.

The Broncos and Chiefs will author the latest chapter of their AFC West rivalry in a Week 17 clash on Christmas night.