NFL Week 15 Playoff Picture: Broncos, Patriots, and Rams All Eye Postseason Berths
We’ve hit that point in the NFL calendar when every win, every loss, and every tiebreaker carries serious weight. Week 15 is shaping up to be a defining moment, with multiple teams on the brink of clinching playoff spots-and a few others doing everything they can just to stay alive.
Let’s dive into the playoff landscape across both conferences, starting with the AFC, where two traditional powerhouses-the Broncos and Patriots-can lock up postseason spots this Sunday. Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Rams have a chance to punch their ticket as well, but they’ll have to go through a hungry Lions squad to do it.
AFC Playoff Picture
No. 1 Seed: Denver Broncos (11-2)
Remaining opponents above .500: 3
Playoff probability: 99%
The Broncos are right where they want to be-at home, in control, and one win away from clinching a playoff berth for the second straight season. They’ll host the Packers in what could be a statement game for a Denver team that’s been one of the most consistent forces in the league all year.
A win gets them in, plain and simple. There are other paths involving ties and losses from other teams, but Denver’s not looking for help-they’re looking to handle business themselves.
New England Patriots (11-2)
Remaining opponents above .500: 1
Playoff probability: 99%
The Patriots have a massive opportunity in front of them. A win over Buffalo on Sunday not only guarantees them a playoff spot-it wraps up the AFC East.
That’s the kind of two-for-one deal Bill Belichick and company live for. Gillette Stadium should be rocking as New England eyes a division crown and a chance to solidify its postseason path.
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 96%
After a clutch win over the Colts last week, Jacksonville is trying to hold off the surging Texans in the AFC South. This week’s matchup against the Jets is more than just a trap game-it’s a must-win to maintain control in a division that’s suddenly tighter than expected. The Jags have been solid, but they’ll need to stay sharp down the stretch.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 66%
The Steelers are still in the mix, and last week’s gritty win over the Ravens in Baltimore proved they’re not going quietly. Now they return home to face the 6-7 Dolphins in a Monday night showdown that could shape the wild card race. Pittsburgh has been up and down all season, but the defense is peaking at the right time.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)
Remaining opponents above .500: 4
Playoff probability: 65%
Fresh off a dramatic overtime win over the Eagles, the Chargers are on a short week and heading into a high-stakes clash with the Chiefs. This one’s being billed as a virtual elimination game for Kansas City, and the Chargers know what’s at stake. The schedule doesn’t get easier from here, so this is a critical moment for a team that’s shown flashes of brilliance.
Buffalo Bills (9-4)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 98%
Buffalo pulled off a gutsy comeback win over the Bengals in Week 14, rallying from a double-digit deficit. Now, the Bills head to Foxborough for a game that could either keep their AFC East hopes alive or all but end them. It’s a tall task against a Patriots team with everything to play for, but Buffalo’s been finding ways to win when it matters most.
Houston Texans (8-5)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 93%
The Texans are one of the hottest teams in football right now, riding a five-game win streak into a home matchup against the Cardinals. Jacoby Brissett will be under center for Arizona, and Houston will look to take advantage. With the division still very much in play, the Texans can’t afford a misstep.
NFC Playoff Picture
Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 98%
The Rams are in a strong position heading into Sunday’s late window game against the Lions. It’s simple: win, and they’re in.
But Detroit won’t make it easy. At 8-5, the Lions are fighting for their own playoff lives and may need to win out.
Expect fireworks at SoFi Stadium in a game that could have major seeding implications.
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 96%
The Packers took care of business last week with a big win over the Bears. Now they hit the road for a tough interconference matchup with the Broncos at Mile High. Green Bay’s been steady, and that tie on their record could end up being a sneaky advantage in the standings.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 95%
It’s been a rough stretch for Philly, who’ve dropped three straight. But the Eagles have a chance to stop the bleeding this weekend at home against the Raiders. Kenny Pickett returns to town, but the Eagles will be focused on finding rhythm again-especially on offense, where they’ve struggled to finish drives lately.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
Remaining opponents above .500: 2
Playoff probability: 67%
The Bucs are still in the thick of the NFC South race and get a prime-time opportunity to gain ground Thursday night against the Falcons. Atlanta will be rolling with Kirk Cousins under center in place of the injured Michael Penix Jr., and Tampa Bay needs to capitalize. This is a winnable game in a division where every result counts.
Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
Remaining opponents above .500: 4
Playoff probability: 98%
Seattle is chasing the Rams in the NFC West and trying to lock down home-field advantage. They’ll host the Colts this week, who will be without Daniel Jones. The Seahawks are heavy favorites, and this is the kind of game they need to dominate if they want to keep pace atop the conference.
San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Remaining opponents above .500: 3
Playoff probability: 92%
Coming off a bye week, the 49ers return to action against the two-win Titans and rookie quarterback Cam Ward. A win would either pull them into a tie for the division lead or keep them one game back, depending on how the Seahawks fare. Either way, the Niners are refreshed and ready for the final stretch.
Chicago Bears (9-4)
Remaining opponents above .500: 4
Playoff probability: 68%
The Bears dropped a heartbreaker to Green Bay last week and now face the Browns in what’s expected to be a frigid game at Soldier Field. Chicago needs a bounce-back performance to stay in the playoff mix, especially with a tough schedule ahead.
Clinching Scenarios This Week
- Denver clinches a playoff berth with a win.
- New England clinches the AFC East with a win.
- New England also clinches a playoff berth with a win.
- Los Angeles Rams clinch a playoff berth with a win.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every snap matters. The playoff race is heating up, and Week 15 could be the turning point for several teams. Buckle up-December football is here, and the stakes don’t get much higher than this.