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Who to cheer for: A Broncos fan's Week 15 rooting guide

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The Broncos control their own destiny in the playoff race, in regards to clinching a playoff berth, securing the AFC West and earning the top overall seed in the conference.

That journey continues Sunday, as Denver can officially clinch a postseason berth with a win over the Green Bay Packers.

But that doesn't mean the Broncos can't benefit from results around the league. Denver currently holds an 87 percent chance to win the AFC West and a 39 percent chance of earning the No. 1 seed, according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator. Those odds, though, could significantly increase depending on outcomes around the NFL.

As you settle in to watch the rest of the Week 15 slate, here's who to pull for:

Chargers at Chiefs (Sunday, 11 a.m. MT, CBS)
It benefits the Broncos if … the Chiefs win.

I could never tell you to root for Kansas City, but it is helpful for the Chiefs to earn a win this week. Denver currently holds an 87 percent chance of winning the AFC West, and a Chiefs win would push those odds to 92 percent. Add in a Broncos victory over Green Bay later in the afternoon, and Denver would be up to a 97 percent chance — and just one Broncos win or Chargers loss away from clinching the division. Plus, regardless of what happens in Denver on Sunday, a Chiefs win would ensure Denver's division odds fall no lower than 87 percent heading into Week 16. If, however, the Broncos and Chiefs both fall, the Chargers would pull within a game of Denver with three weeks to play — and Denver's AFC West odds would drop to around 68 percent. A Chiefs loss would reduce Kansas City's playoff odds to less than one percent, which may be tempting for Broncos Country to root for. But as Denver looks to secure its first division crown in a decade, taking a huge step toward winning the AFC West is more valuable in Week 15.

Bills at Patriots (Sunday, 11 a.m. MT, CBS)
You should root for … the Bills.

The Broncos hold the tiebreak over New England due to their record against the common opponents, but a Patriots loss would give Denver a bit of wiggle room down the stretch. A New England loss to the Bills would increase the Broncos' odds of earning the top seed by more than 10 percent. Combined with a Broncos win, Denver's chances of earning the top seed would jolt up to nearly 70 percent.

Jets at Jaguars (Sunday, 11 a.m. MT, CBS)
You should root for … the Jets.

There isn't a ton riding on this game, in large part because the Broncos and Jaguars face off in Week 16. Still, Denver's chances of earning a top-two seed jump up a bit if the Jets can pull an upset. With the head-to-head tiebreak between these two teams yet to be decided, the Jaguars picking up a fifth loss would give Denver more breathing room.

Broncos at Packers (Sunday, 2:25 p.m. MT, CBS)
You should, obviously, root for … the Broncos.

Again, the Broncos control their own destiny in the AFC — and the most effective way for them to reach their goals is to keep winning. A victory over Green Bay would clinch a playoff spot, push their AFC West chances to 94 percent and increase their odds of earning the top seed to 56 percent. With a loss, Denver's division chances would take a seven percent hit and the team's odds of securing the No. 1 seed would drop by 15 percent.

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