Week 16 NFL Playoff Scenarios: Comprehensive Team-by-Team Visual Guide

The 2025 NFL season is nearing its conclusion, with just three weeks left in the regular schedule. As the playoff picture crystallizes, a total of thirteen teams have been eliminated from postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams have already secured their spots in the playoffs. Several other teams, including the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and more, are still in the hunt.

Current Playoff Scenarios

The playoff scenarios vary widely among the potential contenders. Below is a breakdown of the playoff hopes for several key teams.

AFC East

• New England Patriots: Currently leads the division. They need to win all remaining games to secure the No. 1 seed, provided the Broncos lose two of their last three.
• Buffalo Bills: After a critical win over the Patriots, the Bills can still aim for various playoff positions, likely as a wild-card team.

AFC North

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Must beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to secure the division title.
• Baltimore Ravens: A playoff berth is possible if they win all remaining games, particularly the critical matchup against the Steelers.

AFC South

• Jacksonville Jaguars: They have a chance to clinch a playoff spot but need to win at least two of their last three games.
• Houston Texans: Could secure a playoff spot with two wins in their next three games.

AFC West

• Denver Broncos: Already clinched a playoff berths and holds the top seed. Winning two of their last three games will ensure they remain in that position.
• Los Angeles Chargers: They need three consecutive wins to improve their playoff positioning.

NFC Standings and Scenarios

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles: Nearly guaranteed to win the division. Just one more win will clinch their title.
• Dallas Cowboys: Their chances are slim and depend on a series of favorable outcomes.

NFC North

• Chicago Bears: If they beat the Detroit Lions in their final game, they will secure a playoff berth.
• Green Bay Packers: Only need to win two out of three remaining games for a wild-card position.

NFC South

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They face a crucial matchup with the Carolina Panthers that could determine the division title and playoff hopes.
• Carolina Panthers: Must defeat the Buccaneers in Week 16 for a chance at the division title.

NFC West

• Los Angeles Rams: Have clinched a playoff spot and could potentially secure a first-round bye with a win in Week 16.
• Seattle Seahawks: Almost guaranteed a playoff berth, they control their destiny with the next three games.
• San Francisco 49ers: Needs to win at least one of their last three games to secure a playoff position.

As the season unfolds, the playoff picture will become clearer, and fans can anticipate thrilling matchups that will determine which teams advance to the postseason.