The Denver Broncos (12-2) are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) on Sunday in a game featuring big playoff seeding implications for both clubs. Here are five quick storylines to watch for going into the AFC showdown.

ESPN’s Seth Walder simulated the rest of the regular season and the playoffs, so lets break down how the rest of the year could play out for the Broncos and the AFC West according to this mock-finish.

The complete list of 2026 opponents will be finalized after the 2025 regular season concludes, and the finalized schedule will be announced with dates and times next spring, presumably in May. For now, Denver's focused on this week's opponent -- the Jaguars -- but it's never too early for fans and pundits to look ahead to what's next.

The veteran defensive lineman has helped Eyioma Uwazurike develop during his first season with a significant role in Denver

Sean Payton said the Jaguars have “really good ball skills,” in reference to their ability to generate turnovers. “There are some weeks we play corners that can’t catch … a corner that can’t catch, we’re going to throw jump-balls to.” This is not one of those weeks. pic.twitter.com/s4rKmQdcM5

Find single game tickets to the Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Week 16 matchup on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Empower Field at Mile

"I probably need to get him a little bit more touches," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of RB Jaleel McLaughlin.

On Monday, Sean Payton sat through a reel of the Jaguars’ touchdown plays and worried about the one who’d gotten away.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph says that Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is playing "equal" to Packers QB Jordan Love. "They're both super talented. They're both really well-coached. That's what I instantly see with both offenses," Joseph said. "... He's playing well. I… pic.twitter.com/ED6d97C5lk