The Ringer NFL Show Race for the 1-seed! Will it be the Broncos, Patriots, or Jaguars in the AFC's Top Spot?
Dec 23, 2025
Join sports journalist and NFL reporter Lindsay Jones as she teams up with Sheil to dissect the heated race for the AFC's top seed. They delve into the Denver Broncos’ defensive woes and their path to victory against formidable opponents. Lindsay also discusses the New England Patriots' surprising playoff push led by Drake May, while analyzing the Jacksonville Jaguars' late-season surge and efficient gameplay. With both guests picking the Patriots for the one seed, the conversation wraps with insights into the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.
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Broncos Still Control Their Fate
- The Broncos control their fate: winning their last two games gives them the AFC 1-seed outright.
- Their Week 18 game at home vs. the Chargers now looms as a potential swing that could drop them to a wild-card.
Loss Revealed Broncos' Defensive Flaws
- Lindsay Jones says Denver's recent loss exposed defensive vulnerabilities hidden by prior late-game comebacks.
- She expects the defeat to serve as a reset that could spur necessary adjustments before the playoffs.
Bruised Broncos Locker Room Reaction
- Lindsay describes visiting the Broncos' locker room where players reacted angrily after the loss.
- Edge rusher Nik Bonitto publicly said, “I played like ass,” showing player accountability.