AFC playoff picture: Broncos remain No. 2 seed

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos received some help from the Washington Redskins in Week 14, as the Redskins defeated the Baltimore Ravens -- putting the Broncos one full game ahead of the Ravens, and helping clear the path for the Broncos to earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

After winning on Thursday night, Denver improved to 10-3 on the season. The Broncos currently own a half-game lead over the New England Patriots, who are 9-3. New England plays host to Houston on Monday Night Football. If Tom Brady and the Patriots come out with a victory on Monday, then the Patriots will be the No. 2 seed with a 10-3 record, since the Patriots own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Broncos.

If New England loses, then the Broncos will have a one-game lead over both the Patriots and Ravens for the second seed, and will control their own destiny for a bye week.