In a potential preview of things to come during the 2026 NFL Playoffs, the AFC-leading 12-2 Denver Broncos will host the 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags can clinch a postseason berth with a win and a little bit of help. On the other side, the Broncos can win the AFC West crown with a win and a loss or a tie by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Following their victory over the Packers, the Broncos clinched their second straight postseason berth. This is the first time since the 2014 and 2015 seasons that Denver has made back-to-back playoff appearances.

“It definitely brings more of a value, I guess you can say,” Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said on December 17th. “In those years where you know that there's no playoff implications tied to the last three games of the season, you're literally just going out there to represent the organization to the highest level you can… However, you put on top of that, the reality of us being in the position that we're in - in terms of the rankings and the standings and things that we've worked to be able to put ourselves into position for - I think it just gives you that little bit more juice to stay consistent, stay neutral through everything that's going on. I think that that's the biggest thing for us, is making sure that we don't become drunk of the situation of ‘look what we've done.’”

This game is very important for the Broncos because a win will get them one step closer to earning the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. Denver can clinch the conference’s number-one seed with a win, a Chargers loss or tie, a New England Patriots loss, and a Buffalo Bills loss or tie.

“We have three goals. Win the division, alright? The first goal is not make the playoffs,” Head coach Sean Payton said on Monday. “Goal two: best seed. Goal three: Super Bowl. None of those goals have been accomplished.”

In a game of this magnitude that features two Super Bowl contenders, home-field advantage can play a part in the result.

“I think it's just a great home environment. It's one of the best atmospheres in the entire country,” said Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. “It feels like each game is a playoff game, and each game has a lot of importance to it. So having a home crowd, playing at home - you obviously wouldn't want to go on the road in this situation - but it's extremely exciting.”

When going against Jacksonville, winning the turnover battle is usually the key to victory. It will be tough, though, since the Jaguars have the second-most takeaways in the NFL this season (26). That's why Bo Nix emphasized taking care of the football.

“That's important. It's important every game,” he said. “I think they do a good job with just having vision and then punching the ball out. It's just something to be aware of, but nothing to be scared of.”

The Broncos aren't the only ones in this matchup with a lot at stake. The Jaguars can clinch a playoff berth with a win, and a loss or a tie by either the Houston Texans or the Indianapolis Colts.

“Getting to go play a competitive, meaningful game in December is really what it comes down to in a hostile environment,” said Jags head coach Liam Coen on Wednesday. “Very quality opponent. [A] team that's won the fourth quarter in a lot of football games over the last two years. So, it's a great opportunity for us to go compete and earn everything we get.”

Jacksonville will need another good performance from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is coming off the best game of his NFL career. Last week, Lawrence threw five passing touchdowns and scored another touchdown on the ground while accumulating 381 total yards.

“I thought he was very accurate with the football. Started hot. Allowing these guys to be able to continue to catch and run, especially over the middle of the field,” Liam Coen said during the postgame press conference. “The vertical throws, I thought, were very impressive… Very proud of Trevor and his preparation, the way that he's practiced, the way that he's continued to lead our offense and do what we're asking him to do, at a high level, though. I mean, he's playing at a high level right now.”

The Denver Broncos’ opponents have to be prepared for an elite pass rush. Trevor Lawrence knows that he and his offensive line will have to be at their best against this unit, which has 58 sacks this season.

“They’re really, really good. Obviously, the numbers are historic, and the way they're playing and flying around. It's not just the group up front; it's the whole defense, every level,” Lawrence told reporters on Wednesday. “They're well-coached. They're flying around. They're making plays. They're physical. They're really good in the back end. Obviously, they're great at rushing the passer. It just works really well together. The defense is playing really well. It's going to be a challenge for us. So we'll have to have a great week of practice and a good plan going in for a really good defense.”

Prediction for Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos (-3)

It feels almost impossible that the Broncos keep finding ways to win these games. After all, the Packers had them on the ropes last week, but injuries took the wind out of Green Bay's sails. The Jaguars have the best run defense in the NFL, so it'll be on Bo Nix to win this game. That'll be tough since he'll be going against a unit that ranks sixth in passer rating allowed this season (81.4). The problem is that Denver has more giveaways (14) than takeaways (12). That's particularly concerning when playing a team that is tied for the third-best turnover differential in the NFL (+10). Something tells me the Jaguars will be ready for a defensive battle after the Broncos had one of their best wins of the season. Jacksonville is simply more desperate at the moment than Denver, which is why they'll come out on top.

Prediction: Jaguars 20 - 18 Broncos

How to watch Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos (-3)

Jaguars @ Broncos starts at 4:05 p.m. EDT at Empower Field at Mile High. You can watch it on Fox or stream it via the Fox Sports app or YouTubeTV.

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