Coach Sean Payton reminded the Denver Broncos this week that only one team in the AFC receives a bye in the playoffs.

“That’s significant,” he said.

The Broncos (9-2), who have won eight games in a row, are a half-game back of the top spot entering Sunday’s road game against the Washington Commanders (3-8).

“It’s right there in front of us,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said. “The job’s definitely not even close to being finished yet, but we have put ourselves in this spot to obtain it.”

The Commanders opened the season thinking they’d be chasing the top seed in the NFC, but key injuries and a struggling defense have contributed to six straight losses.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels will likely miss another week, but the Commanders have hope with their top receivers. Terry McLaurin, Deebo S

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