Denver Broncos 2009 Playoff Scenarios

According to the NFL, the Denver Broncos can advance to the 2009 playoffs with one of these ten scenarios coming to fruition:

The Denver Broncos need to win and get help to advance to the playoffs in 2009. (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

1. DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR
2. DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR
3. DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + HOU win OR
4. DEN win + BAL loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR
5. DEN win + BAL loss or tie + HOU win OR
6. PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss OR
7. PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + NYJ loss OR
8. PIT loss + BAL loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR
9. PIT loss + HOU loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR
10. MIA loss or tie + NYJ loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss or tie

Note that all scenarios require a loss or tie by either the Jets or Ravens. New York and Baltimore control their own destiny; Denver does not.  The Broncos also cannot find themselves in a two-way tie with Pittsburgh; as Earl broke down beautifully earlier, either the Steelers must lose, or the Texans must win.

Schedules:

• Denver is at home against Kansas City.
• The Jets are home against the Bengals, a game which the NFL flexed to its prime time slot Monday.
• The Ravens travel to Oakland, who can play spoiler to another AFC team. Or Al Davis can play spoiler to Denver by laying down against B’more. Just win, baby.
• Houston is home against New England; the Patriots and Bengals are fighting for seeding, so both have something for which to play.
• Pittsburgh is at Miami, who may have the faintest pulse imaginable.  If every 8-7 team loses, the ‘Fins could still find a way into the tournament at 8-8, as unbelievable as that sounds.

In fact, those last five scenarios that favor the Broncos don’t mention a Broncos win.  If all of those stars align, the Broncos will make the playoffs, no matter if they’re 9-7 or 8-8.

The Broncos are still alive, if just barely.  A loss by either the Ravens or Jets seems possible, but it’ll be hard to avoid a tiebreaker with the reigning champs.  But, hey — stranger things have happened.