NFL Week 16: The Playoff Picture and Clinching Scenarios

December 18, 2025

As the NFL regular season approaches Week 16, multiple teams across both conferences are competing to clinch playoff positions and divisional championships. The Denver Broncos have already secured a playoff spot in the AFC and could potentially lock up the conference's top seed and only first-round bye depending on several game outcomes. In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams have guaranteed their playoff participation, while nine other teams between both conferences still have opportunities to punch their postseason tickets this week.

Who is affected

AFC teams: Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Chargers. NFC teams: Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL fans and playoff hopefuls across both conferences are also affected.

What action is being taken

Multiple NFL games are being played during Week 16, including Thursday night, Saturday, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night, and Monday night matchups that will determine playoff berths and seeding.

Why it matters

This week represents a crucial point in the NFL season where playoff positioning is determined, affecting which teams advance to the postseason, divisional championships, home-field advantages, and first-round byes. These outcomes will shape the entire playoff bracket and determine which teams have the best path to the Super Bowl.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint