Bills’ Playoff Picture: What Needs to Happen in Week 16 for Buffalo to Clinch
The Buffalo Bills are knocking on the postseason door - and this week, they’ve got a real shot to kick it wide open.
After rallying past the Patriots in a gritty Week 15 comeback, Buffalo not only kept its AFC East title hopes alive but also positioned itself right on the edge of clinching a playoff berth. Now, with just three weeks to go, the Bills control their own destiny - and a little help from around the league could lock up their spot before Sunday night.
Let’s break down what Bills fans should be watching in Week 16, and who they’ll want to see come out on top across the league.
Bills (10-4) at Browns (3-11) - Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Root for: Bills
Let’s start with the obvious: Buffalo has to handle its own business. A win (or even a tie) against Cleveland is the key that unlocks every playoff-clinching scenario this week. If the Bills come out of Sunday with their 11th win, they’ll be in prime position to punch their postseason ticket - and possibly even before the weekend wraps.
Chargers (10-4) at Cowboys (6-7-1) - Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Root for: Cowboys
The Chargers are currently the AFC’s No. 5 seed, sitting just ahead of Buffalo at No. 6.
And while both teams share the same record, L.A. holds the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. A Cowboys upset would give the Bills a shot at leapfrogging the Chargers in the standings - and improving playoff seeding could be huge down the stretch.
Raiders (2-12) at Texans (9-5) - Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Root for: Raiders
The Texans are right on Buffalo’s heels in the wild-card race and, more importantly, own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bills. That makes this one simple: if Houston slips and Buffalo wins, the Bills are officially playoff-bound.
It’s a long shot, but any given Sunday, right? Bills fans will be pulling for the Raiders to play spoiler.
Patriots (11-3) at Ravens (7-7) - Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
Root for: Ravens
Buffalo’s not just playing for a wild card - the division crown is still very much in play. A Patriots loss gives the Bills more breathing room in the AFC East race and sets up a potential late-season showdown with even higher stakes. While division games in Weeks 17 and 18 will matter more, a Baltimore win here would be a big help.
49ers (10-4) at Colts (8-6) - Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Root for: 49ers
Indianapolis is the other team that could block Buffalo from clinching this week. If the Colts lose on Monday and the Bills win Sunday, the playoff spot is locked. The Colts are turning to Philip Rivers for a second straight start - and Bills fans will be hoping the 44-year-old vet doesn’t have another vintage performance left in the tank.
Jaguars (10-4) at Broncos (12-2) - Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Root for: Jaguars
This one’s more about the long game. The Broncos currently hold the AFC’s top seed, but Buffalo isn’t out of the running for a first-round bye - at least not yet.
A Denver loss keeps that (admittedly slim) possibility alive. Root for Jacksonville to make things interesting.
Other Games to Watch: Strength of Schedule Impacts
These matchups won’t directly affect the AFC playoff picture, but they do have ripple effects on strength of victory (SOV) and strength of schedule (SOS) - two tiebreakers that could come into play if things get tight.
Here’s how Bills fans might want to lean:
- Rams (11-3) at Seahawks (11-3) - Toss-up 📌 UPDATE: Seattle wins, 38-37
- Eagles (9-5) at Commanders (4-10) - Root for: Eagles
- Packers (9-4-1) at Bears (10-4) - Toss-up
- Buccaneers (7-7) at Panthers (7-7) - Root for: Buccaneers
- Jets (3-11) at Saints (4-10) - Root for: Jets
- Vikings (6-8) at Giants (2-12) - Toss-up
- Chiefs (6-8) at Titans (2-12) - Root for: Chiefs
- Bengals (4-10) at Dolphins (6-8) - Toss-up
- Falcons (5-9) at Cardinals (3-11) - Toss-up
- Steelers (8-6) at Lions (8-6) - Rooting interest depends on final-week implications
Bottom Line
The Bills are close - really close - to locking up a playoff berth. A win over the Browns is the must-have, but if either the Texans or Colts slip up, Buffalo could be celebrating a postseason ticket before Week 16 wraps.
And let’s not forget: the AFC East is still up for grabs. The Patriots are ahead, but a little help from the Ravens could set up a thrilling finish to the regular season.
So, Bills Mafia, keep your eyes on the scoreboard this weekend. The road to January football is wide open - and Buffalo’s got the wheel.