If the NFL playoffs started today, the Denver Broncos would hold the seventh and final seed in the AFC. With a 9-6 record, the Broncos have a crucial showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals on deck this weekend.

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.”

Drafted by Sean Payton's former New Orleans Saints in the third round (2017-20), the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has 13.5 sacks this season and plays with a ferociously high level of effort and aggression that allows him to punish opposing QBs.

It’s simple for the Broncos: win and they’re in the NFL playoffs. If they go 0-2, things get more complicated.

Preview the Week 17 matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos with predictions, odds, over/under, spread, betting lines and more.

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 are getting their Christmas wishes answered ahead of what will be the most important game of the season on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cornerback Riley Moss, who has missed each of the last three games,