Buffalo’s Path to Playoffs: Week 16 Scenarios Against Browns
In Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills face a critical game against the Cleveland Browns. This matchup offers the Bills a chance to secure a playoff spot for the first time this season. However, they will need assistance from other teams to clinch that berth.
Current AFC Standings
As of now, the Denver Broncos lead the AFC, having already clinched a playoff spot. The current standings are as follows:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 12-2 |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 11-3 |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 10-4 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 8-6 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 10-4 |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills | 10-4 |
| 7 | Houston Texans | 9-5 |
| 8 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-6 |
| 9 | Baltimore Ravens | 7-7 |
Playoff Scenarios for the Buffalo Bills
The Bills currently hold a 10-4 record and can clinch a playoff spot before Christmas if they win against the Browns on Sunday. They will also need one of the following outcomes:
- Bills win AND Colts lose/tie: With a victory, the Bills would improve to 11-4, verifying their playoff spot. A Colts loss would ensure they remain below Buffalo in the standings.
- Bills win AND Texans lose/tie: This scenario would require the Bills to win while the Texans, who they could tie with in record, lose their game. However, the Texans hold the tiebreaker from a prior head-to-head meeting.
- Bills tie AND Texans or Colts lose: If the Bills end the game in a tie, they would finish 10-5-1, which is higher than either a seven-loss Colts or Texans team.
Upcoming Matchups
This weekend’s schedule will play a crucial role in determining playoff scenarios:
- Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
- Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. Eastern
- Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers, Monday Night Football
Teams in the Playoff Race
Alongside the Bills, other teams have playoff scenarios vulnerable in Week 16:
- The New England Patriots can secure a playoff berth with a win or a tie.
- Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers share similar scenarios, needing a win and either a Texans or Colts loss.
With playoff ambitions looming, this week could see significant changes in the AFC standings. The focus remains tight on how the final weeks of play will unfold.
