The Denver Broncos have kicked off against the Cincinnati Bengals with an opportunity to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, the Bengals are fighting for their playoff lives as well.

Here are the playoff scenarios for the Broncos at the start of today.

Denver Broncos playoff scenarios with a win

For the Broncos, it’s simple. Win, and you’re in.

To make things a little simpler, they simply need one win in their final two games. Beat the Bengals today? Next week doesn’t matter.

More: NFL playoff picture Week 17: Chargers clinch berth with rout of Patriots; one spot left in AFC

What happens if the Broncos lose?

If the Broncos lose, they aren’t out of it yet. In that scenario, the Broncos would need to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 of the season.

An added wrinkle to keep an eye out for in that game is that the Chiefs have already wrapped up the number one seed in the AFC. They may end up sitting some or all of their key starters for part or all of the game.

Additional information

• Broncos record: 9-6
• Bengals record: 7-8
• Channel: NFL Network
• Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. MST

After years of being pitching-heavy on the prospect front, the Seattle Mariners finally have a glut of position player prospects to be excited about.

Cole Young, Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, Michael Arroyo and Laz Montes are all generating real buzz for the Mariners and could make up the next core of the organization.

However, there’s one under-the-radar prospect also generating buzz and that’s third baseman Ben Williamson.

And according to a recent story from the Seattle Times, Williamson could get an opportunity to make the team out of spring training.

Third baseman Ben Williamson, 24, is expected to get a chance in spring training too after a solid season in Arkansas. In 95 games at Class AA this year, Williamson slashed .272/.365/.374 (.739 OPS) with three homers, two triples, 23 doubles and 15 steals.

A second-round pick in 2023, Williamson has earned a reputation as one of the best defensive third baseman in the minors.

The Mariners are said to be looking for two infielders this offseason. Should they fill first base and second base externally, they could look to third base internally. Dylan Moore is an option to assume that position, but the team could give Williamson a shot out of camp, or could bring him up early in the year if he starts well in the minors.

Williamson is currently ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the organization, per MLB.com. He was drafted in the second round out of William & Mary back in the 2023 draft.

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As the year comes to an end, we are reminded of the destruction caused to California’s piers battered by brutal storms since January.

The Ocean Beach Pier has remained closed since October 2023 with hope that it can be redesigned and rebuilt.

A San Diego lifeguard maneuvered high, rough waves off the Ocean Beach pier on Sunday morning, following an emergency call. It’s another example of the growing intensity of climate changes along the San Diego coastline. Winter storms and high surf shut down the pier just off Newport Avenue. It is one of California’s eighteen public piers damaged, destroyed, or that remained closed in 2024. 

“We are sticking something out into the largest ocean in the world, expecting it to stand up against huge waves,” said geologist Patrick Abbott. He is an expert on the erosion of California’s coast caused by increasing atmospheric rivers, storms, earthquakes and flooding. Ocean Beach is especially sensitive to climate changes.

The iconic Christmas tree near the pier has continued to lean over and weaken as the sand holding its roots disintegrates.

“As the ocean comes up farther. (The) tree is pulling up ever saltier water into its system. We’re fighting, shall we say, a greater amount of energy in the ocean. That means we have to build stronger piers to stand up to them, and even those will last for a relatively short time,” Abbott said.

The OB Pier first opened on July 2, 1966.

There is hope as the City of San Diego continues the process to reimagine the pier. It will build the pier back stronger and with more community purpose. There is $8.4 million dollars in state funding designated for the project that could build the structure stronger and with more community purpose. The City will pursue other state and federal grants. But, construction might not be completed for another four years.

It remains precariously positioned with the threat that it may not survive. It’s the same threat also facing piers up California’s coast, from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz.  

 “I think it’s an important piece of California culture that we’re losing if we don’t rebuild it,” said Drew Kiel. He and his girlfriend brought his mother to the beach for one last look, Sunday, before she returned home to Utah.

He said, “I think it’s a cultural touchstone for people here. It’s awesome. People who come here to fish and get food for their families. It’s (also) awesome for the tourists.”

Kiel’s mother, Jenn, agreed.

“Especially if you’re not a surfer or swimmer, you’re stuck on shore … well, on the pier you can walk all the way out …you can see it up close and feel more of its energy,” she said.

Nature’s energy could prove too much for its own good.