The Broncos could have clinched a playoff spot last week, but let the opportunity slip away when they lost to the Chargers.

The Broncos (9-6) will have another chance to lock up their first postseason appearance since 2015 when they go on the road to play the Bengals on Saturday.

Again, if the Broncos win, they’re in.

“We know we’re playing a good football team, a team that’s been in the playoffs and kind of been where we’ve aspired to go,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “All the details (matter).”

The Bengals (7-8) have a chance to make the playoffs, too, although they’ll need a lot more help from other teams.

Every game is one-and-done for the Bengals now.

“It feels good to play in big games,” quarterback Joe Burrow said.

Surging Rams host the eliminated Cardinals: When the Rams host the Cardinals on Saturday night, one team will be steaming toward a division title, while the other will be playing out a disappointing non-playoff season.

If you had only watched these NFC West rivals’ first meeting in Week 2, you would be gobsmacked to find out which team is which.

The Rams (9-6) have hardly ever been blown out during coach Sean McVay’s eight seasons, which include seven years of winning records and playoff contention. But that’s exactly what the Cardinals (7-8) did to them in mid-September, rolling to a 41-10 victory that ranks as the second-biggest thrashing of McVay’s career. Both teams’ fortunes have shifted dramatically since that Sunday in September. The Rams have won eight of 10 since their bye week, while the Cardinals have lost four of five since their bye to fall out of the playoff race.

Chargers focused on avoiding a letdown: If Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has given any thought to the possibility of clinching a playoff berth in his first season with the team with a win at New England on Saturday, he isn’t letting it show.

“Just attacking, that’s our mindset. Win the next game,” he said.

Aside from wrapping up what would be Harbaugh’s fourth postseason trip in five years as an NFL head coach, the Chargers would appear destined to be the sixth seed in the postseason. That would mean a trip to Baltimore and a possible Harbaugh Bowl 4 matchup opposite older brother John Harbaugh.

Saturday’s picks

Chargers at Patriots (-4), 1 p.m. EST (NFL Network): The Chargers would clinch a wild-card spot with a victory over the Patriots, who battled hard against the Bills. The Patriots have lost eight straight home games in December. CHARGERS 23-16

Broncos at Bengals (-3) 4:30 p.m. (NFL Network): Joe Burrow and the Bengals have to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They’re favorites for the 12th time this season despite a losing record. The Broncos would clinch a wild-card berth with a win. BRONCOS 23-22

Cardinals at Rams (-6 1/2) 7:15 p.m. (NFL Network): A four-game winning streak has the Rams on the verge of securing the NFC West. The Cards were eliminated from the playoffs and are reduced to playing spoiler. RAMS 26-16