With the NFL playoff picture tightening, nine teams still vie for a postseason berth as Week 16 approaches. Here’s a detailed look at the remaining clinching scenarios and division races.
Teams Already Clinched a Spot
The Denver Broncos (12‑2) and the Los Angeles Rams (11‑3) secured their postseason berths in Week 15. Those victories left one AFC and one NFC team still unclaimed, leaving six spots in each conference to be decided over the final three weeks of the regular season.
Teams Still Contending for a Playoff Spot
Nine teams retain a realistic chance to lock in a playoff berth in Week 16. The AFC contenders are:
- New England Patriots (11‑3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (10‑4)
- Buffalo Bills (10‑4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10‑4)
The NFC group includes:
- Seattle Seahawks (11‑3)
- Chicago Bears (10‑4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10‑4)
- Green Bay Packers (9‑4‑1)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9‑5)
The article also notes that “Here are five things to know about Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots,” and a similar note for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, though no details are provided.
AFC Playoff‑Clinch Scenarios
Denver Broncos
- No. 1 overall 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 Playoff‑Clinch 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.
Division Races and Additional Context
The Broncos can further cement their position by clinching the AFC West and possibly securing the No. 1 overall seed in Week 16. Apart from Denver, the only other division that can be clinched in Week 16 is the NFC East, which Philadelphia would win.
Key Takeaways
- Nine teams remain in the hunt for a postseason berth in Week 16.
- Denver’s fate hinges on the outcomes of the Chargers, Patriots, and Bills.
- Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East with a win or a Cowboys loss.
The final week of the regular season promises drama as teams fight for playoff spots and division titles, with every game carrying the weight of postseason destiny.
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