AFC Heavyweights Collide as Broncos Host Jaguars DENVER (Interstat) — A late-season clash with significant playoff implications is set for Sunday when the Denver Broncos host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Broncos (12-2), boasting the AFC’s best record, will face one of their stiffest tests against the surging Jaguars (10-4), winners of four straight. The game is projected to be a high-scoring affair, with National Statistical’s simulator forecasting a 33-21 Denver victory. However, oddsmakers list Jacksonville as a 3.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 47.5 points. Jacksonville arrives riding the hot hand of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. In last week’s 48-20 rout of the New York Jets, Lawrence accounted for six touchdowns, passing for 330 yards and five scores while adding 51 rushing yards and another touchdown. Over the last month, he has thrown for 15 touchdowns, showcasing the form that has propelled the Jaguars’ ascent. Denver counters with its own dynamic quarterback in Bo Nix, who has thrown for nine touchdowns in the past three games. Nix led a 34-26 win over Green Bay last week, passing for 303 yards and four touchdowns. His efficiency and connection with a versatile offense have been central to the Broncos’ success, which includes notable wins over Kansas City, Dallas, and Philadelphia this season. The matchup features two of the conference’s most potent offenses. Jacksonville’s attack, also featuring running back Travis Etienne Jr., has averaged 34 points during its winning streak. Denver’s balanced approach, with contributions from rusher RJ Harvey and receiver Marvin Mims Jr., has consistently found ways to win close games, evidenced by four victories by three points or fewer. Defensively, the Broncos will aim to pressure Lawrence and disrupt a Jacksonville unit that has scored at least 25 points in seven of its ten wins. The Jaguars’ defense, which held Tennessee to three points two weeks ago, faces the challenge of containing Nix’s multi-faceted game. With both teams eyeing the AFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye, Sunday’s contest offers a potential postseason preview. The Broncos seek to solidify their conference dominance, while the Jaguars look to prove their recent surge makes them a legitimate championship contender. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:25 p.m. MST Sunday, Dec. 21, in Denver.