The 2025 NFL playoff picture is growing clearer and clearer by the minute, and we'll only know more following the Week 16 slate, during which a multitude of teams in both the AFC and NFC will have the chance to officially snag a berth.
The Broncos punched their ticket in Week 15 following a win over the Packers, but the Bo Nix-led squad could clinch both the AFC West title and the AFC's No. 1 seed if things go according to plan this weekend. The Rams, meanwhile, snagged a spot of their own after defeating the Lions in an exciting tilt I have lovingly dubbed the Stafford-Goff bowl, but that's as far as both conferences have gotten in terms of building out their brackets.
So who could join those two teams in Week 16? Here's a look at what needs to happen for the Bills, Jaguars and more to cement their postseason dreams ASAP.
AFC Clinching Scenarios:
Broncos (12–2):
Week 16: vs. Jaguars
Although the Broncos clinched a playoff berth with their win in Week 15, the team can clinch the AFC West division title and the AFC No. 1 seed with:
- A Broncos win AND
- A Chargers loss or tie AND
- A Patriots loss AND
- A Buffalo loss or tie
Otherwise, the Broncos can clinch just the AFC West division title with:
- A Broncos win and Chargers loss or tie OR
- A Broncos tie and Chargers loss
Bills (10-4):
Week 16: @ Browns
The Bills can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Bills win and a Colts loss or tie OR
- A Bills win and a Texans loss or tie OR
- A Bills tie and a Colts loss OR
- A Bills tie and a Texans loss
Patriots (11–3):
Week 16: @ Ravens
The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Pats win or tie OR
- A Colts loss or tie OR
- A Texans loss or tie
Jaguars (10-4):
Week 16: @ Broncos
The Jaguars can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Jaguars win and a Colts loss or tie OR
- A Jaguars win and a Texans loss or tie OR
- A Jaguars tie and a Colts loss OR
- A Jaguars tie and a Colts tie and a Texans loss
Chargers (10–4):
Week 16: @ Cowboys
The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Chargers win and a Colts loss or tie OR
- A Chargers win and a Texans loss or tie OR
- A Chargers tie and a Colts loss OR
- A Chargers tie and a Colts tie and a Texans loss
NFC Clinching Scenarios:
Eagles (9–5):
Week 16: @ Commanders
The Eagles can clinch the NFC East division title with:
- An Eagles win OR
- A Cowboys loss OR
- An Eagles tie and a Cowboys tie
Bears (10–4):
Week 16: vs. Packers
The Bears can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Bears win and a Lions loss or tie OR
- A Bears tie and a Lions loss
Packers (9–4–1):
Week 16: @ Bears
The Packers can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Packers win and a Lions loss or tie OR
- A Packers tie and a Lions loss
49ers (10–4):
Week 16: @ Colts
The Niners can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Niners win OR
- A Lions loss OR
- A Niners tie and a Lions tie
Seahawks (11–3):
Week 16: vs. Rams
Seattle can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A Seahawks win or tie OR
- A Lions loss or tie
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Every AFC and NFC Playoff Clinching Scenario Heading into Week 16.
