Of the four 8-6 teams scrapping for the two wild-card berths in the AFC playoffs, one has the advantage of playing its final two games at home.
It’s the Broncos, who control their own destiny to make the postseason.
“It’s an opportunity,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “We have to take care of our own business at home, and we’ll be where we want to be.”
The Broncos play the Cincinnati Bengals, who also are 8-6, on Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High. The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) host the New England Patriots on Sunday and the New York Jets (8-6) play the Dolphins in Miami on Christmas.
The Broncos are three-point favorites over Cincinnati and may have home-field advantage Sunday, but they enter with a three- game home losing streak. The last time Denver lost four home games in a row was in 1990.
“We have to get back on that winning side at home,” defensive tackle Gerard Warren said after the Broncos’ 37-20 victory at Arizona last weekend. “We do that and we’re in.”
Cargile contributing
In his first NFL action, Steve Cargile emerged on special teams. Cargile was credited with 4 1/2 tackles on special teams against Arizona.
Cargile, a Columbia product, was signed to Denver’s active roster Dec. 7 but did not play at San Diego three days later. He was signed to Denver’s practice squad Nov. 13. The safety spent time with Dallas in 2004 and 2005 but did not play. He was in training camp with Tampa Bay this season.
With several injuries, Denver can use the athletic Cargile on special teams down the stretch.
“Steve did a great job. He was very active,” Shanahan said. “Steve is a very astute guy who has caught on quickly. He took advantage of an opportunity and you like to see that.”
Injury report
There is a chance all of Denver’s players will practice this week. Wide receiver Javon Walker has a mild shoulder separation and will be monitored throughout the week.
Other injured players include cornerback Darrent Williams (toe), offensive tackle Adam Meadows (hamstring) and tight end Stephen Alexander (ribs).
Coyer cookies
Not only did the Broncos get two days off after their first victory in 35 days, but on Thursday, Jan Coyer, the wife of defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, will deliver hundreds of her homemade cookies to the team and staff as she does after every victory.
“She’s got to go back to work,” her husband said with a laugh after the Arizona game.
Cutler in running
Quarterback Jay Cutler is one of four candidates for NFL rookie of the week.
Cutler, in his third NFL start, earned his first win and had two touchdowns passes for the third straight game. He is the only rookie to accomplish that feat.
Other candidates for the rookie honor are Tennessee defensive back Cortland Finnegan, Philadelphia linebacker Omar Gaither and Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
