ESPN.com · Dec 13, 2025
Race for the AFC's No. 1 seed: Sizing up Patriots, Broncos
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In a throwback to 2012-15, the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are separating from the pack in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed. Both enter this weekend with 11-2 records and are in the midst of 10-game winning streaks.
Four regular-season games remain to determine who lands the lone, coveted first-round bye.
"You are in a position where they can kind of see that if you're able to capture the No. 1 seed, you eliminate a game and that is significant," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, when asked about players scoreboard-watching around the NFL.
In addition to a bye, the No. 1 seed also means home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
