NFL Week 15 playoff picture: Clinching scenarios, standings - ESPN

The playoff picture is becoming clearer with four weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season. Nine teams have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but no teams have clinched a postseason berth. That could change this weekend.

The Broncos can clinch a berth through two scenarios, while the Patriots could make it and win the AFC East if things go their way. In the NFC, the Rams simply have to win to secure a postseason spot.

Let's take a look at the clinching scenarios for each of these three teams.

More NFL playoff race coverage:
Projecting the final seeding
FPI ratings for every team
Projected 2026 draft order

The matchup: vs. Green Bay on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth:

Win or

Houston loss vs. Arizona (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) plus Indianapolis loss at Seattle (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The matchup: vs. Buffalo on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Patriots can clinch a playoff berth and the AFC East:

Win

How the Patriots can clinch a playoff berth:

Houston loss vs. Arizona (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) plus Indianapolis loss at Seattle (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The matchup: vs. Detroit on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Rams can clinch a playoff berth:

Win

(7) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots

(6) Buffalo Bills at (3) Jacksonville Jaguars

(5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers

Wild-card round bye: (1) Denver Broncos

(7) Chicago Bears at (2) Green Bay Packers

(6) San Francisco 49ers at (3) Philadelphia Eagles

(5) Seattle Seahawks at (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wild-card round bye: (1) Los Angeles Rams