Every AFC and NFC Playoff Clinching Scenario Heading into Week 16

Nine teams have a chance to make some postseason magic this weekend.

The Broncos are already in the playoffs, but can clinch the AFC West title and the AFC's No. 1 seed in Week 16. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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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