The NFL playoff landscape is crystallizing as Week 16 approaches, with Denver and Philadelphia poised to lock down their spots, and nine other teams still fighting for a chance. The clock is ticking, and every win or loss could tilt the balance in the AFC and NFC.
The Week 15 Finale
In Week 15, the first postseason berths in each conference were officially secured. The Denver Broncos, standing at 12‑2, and the Los Angeles Rams, 11‑3, were the inaugural teams to clinch spots. With those two slots confirmed, the remaining six positions in both the AFC and NFC are up for grabs in the final three weeks of the regular season.
Current Playoff Picture
Denver’s 12‑2 record places them firmly at the top of the AFC West, while the Rams’ 11‑3 mark keeps them in contention for the NFC West. The playoff race now hinges on the performance of the nine teams that still have a path to the postseason, each with specific conditions that could secure their berth.
Teams That Can Clinch in Week 16
The nine teams with playoff‑clinching scenarios for Week 16 are:
- AFC – New England Patriots (11‑3), Jacksonville Jaguars (10‑4), Buffalo Bills (10‑4), Los Angeles Chargers (10‑4)
- NFC – Seattle Seahawks (11‑3), Chicago Bears (10‑4), San Francisco 49ers (10‑4), Green Bay Packers (9‑4‑1), Philadelphia Eagles (9‑5)
Each of these teams faces a set of outcomes that, if met, would secure their spot in the postseason.
AFC Clinching Scenarios
Denver Broncos
- No. 1 seed – Broncos win AND Chargers loss or tie AND Patriots loss AND Bills loss or tie
- AFC West champion – Broncos win AND Chargers loss or tie OR Broncos tie AND Chargers loss
New England Patriots
- Patriots win or tie OR Colts loss or tie OR Texans loss or tie
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jaguars win AND Colts loss or tie OR Jaguars win AND Texans loss or tie OR Jaguars tie AND Colts loss OR Jaguars tie AND Colts tie AND Texans loss
Buffalo Bills
- Bills win AND Colts loss or tie OR Bills win AND Texans loss or tie OR Bills tie AND Colts loss OR Bills tie AND Texans loss
Los Angeles Chargers
- Chargers win AND Colts loss or tie OR Chargers win AND Texans loss or tie OR Chargers tie AND Colts loss OR Chargers tie AND Colts tie AND Texans loss
NFC Clinching Scenarios
Philadelphia Eagles
- Eagles win OR Cowboys loss OR Eagles tie AND Cowboys tie
Seattle Seahawks
- Seahawks win or tie OR Lions loss or tie
Chicago Bears
- Bears win AND Lions loss or tie OR Bears tie AND Lions loss
San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers win OR Lions loss OR 49ers tie AND Lions tie
Green Bay Packers
- Packers win AND Lions loss or tie OR Packers tie AND Lions loss
Key Takeaways
- Denver can secure the No. 1 seed and AFC West title with a combination of a win and specific opponent outcomes.
- Philadelphia has the only NFC East clinching scenario in Week 16.
- Nine teams still have playoff‑clinching paths, each dependent on a mix of wins, ties, and opponent losses.
The upcoming games will determine whether the Broncos and Eagles can close the door on the playoffs, or if the other nine teams will surge forward. Every matchup carries weight, and the final three weeks promise drama for fans and teams alike.
Closing Thoughts
As Week 16 looms, the stakes are higher than ever. With Denver’s 12‑2 record and Philadelphia’s 9‑5 standing, the race is a blend of momentum, strategy, and a bit of luck. Whether a team can clinch depends on a precise set of conditions, and the NFL playoffs are as much about timing as they are about talent. The countdown is on, and the next three weeks will decide who moves on to the postseason showdown.
