Brian Dawkins is backing the Broncos to make the NFL playoffs, but he’s doing so because KC has the No. 1 seed secured.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos will square off at Paycor Stadium on Sunday with both teams having an eye on the playoffs. Here's what experts think will happen via their picks and score predictions for the Week 17 game between these AFC squads.

“Ain’t nobody trying to watch Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, play over Joe Burrow,” Saturday said, according to Zack Kelberman. Everybody’s tuning in [for] Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins. … If they get in the playoffs, it’s a much better story.”

The Denver Broncos have another chance to clinch a playoff spot when the 9-6 team faces the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Denver is currently the seventh and final seed in the AFC, setting up a nightmare scenario for the first round of the NFL playoffs. If the season ended today, the Broncos would face the Buffalo Bills (the No. 2 seed) in the Wild Card round.

The Denver Broncos are in good shape to contend for one of the two remaining playoff spots in the AFC. The Bengals are on the bubble and in danger of missing out.

The Denver Broncos need one win to get into the playoffs. With a game against the Cincinnati Bengals coming up, a team that is also trying desperately to win this weekend. The Broncos had the chance to do that last week against the Los Angeles Chargers but failed miserably.

The 9-6 Denver Broncos will have another opportunity to clinch their first playoff berth since 2015 with a win over the 7-8 Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. It'll be Denver's final road game of the 2024 regular season.