NFL Week 16 playoff picture: Clinching scenarios, standings - ESPN

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 seeding
FPI ratings for every team
Projected 2026 draft order

The matchup: at Cleveland on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Bills can clinch a playoff berth:

Win + Houston loss vs. Las Vegas (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday) or

Win + Indianapolis loss vs. San Francisco (8:15 p.m. ET, Monday)

The matchup: vs. Jacksonville on Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Broncos can clinch the AFC West:

Win + L.A. Chargers loss at Dallas (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

How the Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:

Win + L.A. Chargers loss at Dallas (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) + New England loss at Baltimore (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Buffalo loss at Cleveland (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The matchup: at Denver on Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Jaguars can clinch a playoff berth:

Win + Houston loss vs. Las Vegas (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday) or

Win + Indianapolis loss vs. San Francisco (8:15 p.m. ET, Monday)

The matchup: at Dallas on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Chargers can clinch a playoff berth:

Win + Houston loss vs. Las Vegas (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday) or

Win + Indianapolis loss vs. San Francisco (8:15 p.m. ET, Monday)

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