After Week 15 of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Rams and Broncos are officially in the playoffs. Three more teams also were eliminated from playoff contention, including the Chiefs for the first time since 2014.
So what’s at stake in Week 16? Apparently, a lot. Four AFC teams and five NFC teams have a chance to secure a postseason spot this week. Denver could also lock up the AFC’s No. 1 seed if four contests go a certain way.
Let’s take a look at Week 16 clinching scenarios for 10 teams.
More NFL playoff race coverage:Projecting the final seedingFPI ratings for every teamProjected 2026 draft order
Week 16 playoff-clinching scenarios in the AFC
The matchup: at Cleveland on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Bills can clinch a playoff berth:
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
The matchup: vs. Jacksonville on Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Broncos can clinch the AFC West:
How the Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:
The matchup: at Denver on Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Jaguars can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: at Dallas on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Chargers can clinch a playoff berth:
All of ESPN. All in one place.
Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now
The matchup: at Baltimore on Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
How the Patriots can clinch a playoff berth:
Week 16 playoff-clinching scenarios in the NFC
The matchup: vs. Green Bay on Saturday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Bears can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: at Chicago on Saturday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Packers can clinch a playoff berth:
2:41
Does Stephen A. think Love can take Packers to Super Bowl without Parsons?
Stephen A. Smith says Jordan Love has the talent, but doubts the Packers can reach the Super Bowl without Micah Parsons.
The matchup: at Washington on Saturday, 5 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Eagles can clinch the NFC East:
The matchup: at Indianapolis on Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
How the 49ers can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: at Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
How the Seahawks can clinch a playoff berth:
Best of NFL Nation
• How teams complain to NFL about refs’ calls• Bucs-Panthers showdown for NFC South• Keys to Bo Nix’s improved play for Broncos• What to make of Shedeur’s first 4 starts• What will decide Gannon’s Cardinals fate?• When might Micah Parsons return from ACL?
