As we head into Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape-but there’s still plenty left to be decided. While a few teams have already punched their tickets to January football, a slew of others are on the brink of joining them. This week offers a critical window for several franchises to officially lock in their postseason status, and for a couple of them, there’s even more at stake than just getting in.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the weekend and what needs to happen for teams like the Bills, Jaguars, and Eagles to clinch.
Broncos: Bo Nix and Co. Eyeing the Top Spot
Week 16: vs. Jaguars
The Broncos already secured a playoff berth in Week 15 with a win over the Packers, but their postseason ambitions don’t stop there. Bo Nix has this team eyeing both the AFC West title and the No. 1 overall seed in the conference.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that came into the season with more questions than answers at quarterback. Now, with a win and a little help, Denver could be sitting atop the AFC by the end of the weekend.
Even if the top seed slips away, they still have a clear path to clinching the division outright.
Bills: Looking to Lock It In
Week 16: @ Browns
The Bills are in a position to clinch a playoff berth this week, and it’s been a gritty road to get here. After some early-season turbulence, Buffalo has found its footing behind strong defensive play and timely offense.
A win in Cleveland could be enough to get them over the line, depending on how the rest of the AFC shakes out. The margin for error is slim, but the opportunity is right in front of them.
Patriots: Still in the Hunt
Week 16: @ Ravens
New England is still alive and kicking in the playoff race. A win on the road in Baltimore would be a massive statement-not just for their playoff hopes, but for the trajectory of the franchise moving forward.
The Patriots can clinch a spot this week, but it won’t be easy. The Ravens are a tough out at home, and this matchup could have a playoff-like intensity.
Jaguars: Win and You’re In
Week 16: @ Broncos
Jacksonville’s path is straightforward: beat Denver, and they’re in. But that’s easier said than done.
The Broncos are playing some of their best football of the year, and this game has serious playoff implications for both sides. For the Jags, it’s about proving they can win on the road against a quality opponent when the stakes are high.
The talent is there-now it’s about execution.
Chargers: Hanging by a Thread
Week 16: @ Cowboys
The Chargers are still in the mix, and they’ve got a shot to clinch a playoff berth this week. But they’ll have to do it in Dallas, where the Cowboys have been dominant.
For a team that’s battled inconsistency all year, this is a prove-it game. If they can pull off the upset, they could be one of the more dangerous wild card teams heading into January.
Eagles: Division Crown Within Reach
Week 16: @ Commanders
Philadelphia can wrap up the NFC East this week, and they’ll look to do it against a Commanders team that’s already looking ahead to 2026. The Eagles have been one of the most balanced teams in the league this season, and clinching the division early would give them a chance to rest up and fine-tune before the postseason grind begins.
Bears: A Playoff Return in Sight
Week 16: vs. Packers
Chicago can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Green Bay, and that would be a huge moment for a franchise that’s been building toward this all season. The defense has been stout, and the offense is starting to find rhythm at the right time.
A win at home against a division rival to seal a playoff spot? That’s the kind of moment Bears fans have been waiting for.
Packers: Still in Control of Their Destiny
Week 16: @ Bears
On the flip side of that matchup, the Packers can also clinch a playoff berth with a win in Chicago. This game is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal of the weekend, with both teams fighting for a spot in the postseason. Green Bay’s young core has shown flashes all year, and now they have a chance to prove they belong in the playoff conversation.
49ers: Clinching Time
Week 16: @ Colts
San Francisco can lock in a playoff berth this week, and they’ve been trending in that direction for a while now. The Niners have been one of the most complete teams in the league, with a defense that can dominate and an offense that can beat you in a variety of ways. A win in Indy would make it official.
Seahawks: One More Step
Week 16: vs. Rams
Seattle can clinch a spot with a win over the Rams, but it’s going to take a full team effort. The NFC playoff race is tight, and every win matters. The Seahawks have been scrappy all season, and if they can hold serve at home, they’ll be playing football in January.
What’s Next?
Week 16 is shaping up to be a defining moment across both conferences. With division titles, wild card spots, and even a potential No. 1 seed on the line, this weekend is packed with high-stakes matchups that could reshape the playoff landscape. Whether it’s the Broncos trying to cap off a late-season surge, the Eagles aiming to secure the East, or the Bears and Packers battling for their postseason lives, the path to the playoffs runs straight through Week 16.
Buckle up-this one’s going to be fun.