5 Key Numbers to Know for NFL Week 16: Division Races, QB Chaos, and a Coaching Milestone on the Horizon
Week 16 is here, and with the playoff picture starting to crystallize, the stakes are rising fast. We’ve got a full 16-game slate, and it’s not short on drama.
There are division titles on the line in the NFC North, South, and West. The action kicks off Thursday night in Seattle and wraps up Monday in Indianapolis, with a heavyweight AFC showdown between Jacksonville and Denver sitting right in the middle of Sunday’s schedule.
But beyond the matchups, the numbers tell a deeper story. From a historic coaching milestone to a wild year of quarterback turnover, here are five key figures that help define what’s at stake this week.
3 - Playoff Regulars Already Out
Three teams that made the playoffs last season are officially out of the hunt before the 2024 postseason even begins - and that includes the defending AFC champions. Kansas City, Minnesota, and Washington have all been mathematically eliminated, and all three are sitting below .500.
The Chiefs’ early exit is especially jarring. This is a team that had made the playoffs for ten straight seasons, from 2015 through 2024 - the second-longest streak in NFL history behind only the Patriots’ 11-season run from 2009 to 2019.
For Kansas City, a franchise that’s been the gold standard in the AFC for the better part of a decade, this marks a dramatic shift. It’s a reminder that even dynasties aren’t immune to the NFL’s relentless churn.
4 - Eagles Eye Rare NFC East Repeat
If the Eagles take care of business Saturday afternoon in Washington, they’ll lock up their second straight NFC East crown. That might sound routine, but in this division, it’s anything but.
The NFC East has been a revolving door for two decades. No team has repeated as division champs since Andy Reid’s Eagles did it with four straight titles from 2001 to 2004. That’s right - it’s been easier to repeat as Super Bowl champions than to go back-to-back in this division.
So while Philly fans might be focused on bigger goals, clinching the East again would be a significant achievement - and a sign of sustained success in one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions.
102 - Bears’ Ground Game Turnaround
Last season, the Bears limped to a 5-12 finish and ranked 25th in the league in rushing, averaging just 102 yards per game. Fast forward to this year, and it’s a whole different story under head coach Ben Johnson.
Chicago has already doubled its win total from a year ago, and a big reason why is their dominance on the ground. They’re averaging 152.2 rushing yards per game - second only to Buffalo - and have topped 200 yards in four of their 14 games. That kind of consistency in the run game is the foundation of their resurgence and a big reason why they’re leading the NFC North heading into Week 16.
It’s not just about stats - it’s about identity. The Bears are running with purpose, and it’s showing up in the win column.
59 - Quarterback Carousel Keeps Spinning
The NFL has seen 59 different starting quarterbacks this season - and we’re not done yet. Through 15 weeks, 54 QBs have already taken the first snap for their teams, and Week 16 is set to push that number even higher.
In Miami, the Dolphins are making a bold move, benching veteran Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes is done for the year after suffering a knee injury, and Andy Reid is turning to Gardner Minshew to lead the offense against Tennessee.
It’s been a chaotic year under center across the league, and the constant churn has reshaped playoff races and team identities alike. With two weeks left, don’t be surprised if that number keeps climbing.
199 - Mike Tomlin Nearing Rare Coaching Milestone
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin enters Week 16 sitting on 199 career wins - a number that includes both regular season and postseason victories. One more, and he’ll become just the 11th coach in NFL history to reach 200.
It’s a club filled with legends: Don Shula, Bill Belichick, George Halas, Andy Reid, Tom Landry, Curly Lambeau, Paul Brown, Chuck Noll, Marty Schottenheimer, and Dan Reeves. Most of those names are already enshrined in Canton. Tomlin’s consistency, leadership, and ability to keep Pittsburgh competitive year after year - even in seasons with roster turnover or quarterback uncertainty - has been nothing short of remarkable.
Reaching 200 wins would be another testament to a coach who’s quietly built one of the most respected resumes in the modern NFL.
Final Word
Week 16 is loaded with playoff implications, but these numbers give us a deeper look at the storylines shaping the stretch run. From a historic coaching chase to a reshaped quarterback landscape and a few surprise teams finding their footing, this week is more than just wins and losses - it’s about legacy, resilience, and the ever-evolving identity of the NFL. Buckle up.