Sometimes rivals can help each other out.
With their 29-10 Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs have made the Denver Broncos' lives a little easier when it comes to making the playoffs, and who they could potentially face once they get there.
In all likelihood, Kansas City will rest several of it's key starters during their Week 18 matchup against the Broncos. Every time Chiefs coach Andy Reid has had the opportunity to let starters sit out the season finale due to their postseason spot being clinched, he's done it.
That will drastically improve Denver's odds of winning that game. The Broncos can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but it won't be easy as Cincinnati is hot and has won three games in a row. Even if the Broncos do beat the Bengals, they'll still have a lot to play for against K.C.
Denver currently holds the No. 7 seed in the AFC, which would very likely pit them against the No. 2 seed Bills on the road in Buffalo on wild-card weekend. That would be the most difficult matchup possible, making it tough for the Broncos to get their first postseason win since Super Bowl 50 eight years ago.
The Broncos could jump up to the No. 5 seed if they finish a game better than the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers as both teams have the tiebreaker over them. Everything will be much clearer after Sunday's slate of games. Regardless of what happens, the Chiefs securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and most likely resting their starters is a great development for Denver. Regardless of how it all shakes out, the Broncos playoff chances are looking bright.
