Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has access to the NFL standings just like the rest of us.
He and his players know that the Broncos have a real shot to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC come playoff time.
Not only would the path to the Super Bowl go through Empower Field at Mile High, but it would come with a first-round bye. The Broncos would have to win two home games to go to Santa Clara and play for a Lombardi Trophy.
After practice on Wednesday, Sean Payton was asked about taking it one week at time but also making his players aware of what’s at stake in potentially earning the top seed in the conference.
“I can’t assume everyone on this team understands the playoff format. It switched in (2020), right, we added the seventh team so beginning in 2020 there was only one team (that got a bye),” Payton said.
That one bye will likely either go to the 10-2 Patriots, 9-2 Broncos or 8-3 Colts. Sure, some other AFC teams could get hot and make noise, but New England, Denver and Indianapolis are the biggest contenders.
“The goal obviously is the end game and you’re in a position where they can kind of see if you’re able to capture the one seed… you eliminate a game and that’s significant,” Payton said.
Watching everyone else beat each other up on wild card weekend while the Broncos are resting would be huge. Sean Payton was clear the Broncos don’t “have to” get the No. 1 seed, but knows they’ve put themselves in a great position.
“Each week, we build up this equity of where we’re at and I think certainly the buy in, these guys are smart enough to know what each of these games counts for,” Payton said.
That will start on Sunday against the Commanders as the sprint to the finish over the final six regular season games begins.
Sean Payton knows a strong finish could lead to a potential bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.