2025 NFL Playoff Picture: Week 16 Bracket and Schedule Update
The NFL playoff picture is starting to take shape as teams secure spots for the postseason. In Week 15, the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams clinched their playoff berths, becoming the first teams to do so this season. Following a thrilling overtime victory over the Rams, the Seattle Seahawks also secured a playoff spot, highlighting a competitive race ahead of Week 16.
2025 NFL Playoff Picture: Key Updates for Week 16
As it stands, nine teams are in a position to clinch playoff spots in Week 16. Notable contenders in both conferences are looking to solidify their standings before the postseason begins.
AFC Playoff Standings
- Denver Broncos (12-2)* – Clinched playoffs
- New England Patriots (11-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
- Buffalo Bills (10-4)
- Houston Texans (9-5)
- In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Several teams in the AFC have the opportunity to secure playoff spots in the upcoming week. The Patriots, Jaguars, Bills, and Chargers need crucial wins to ensure their postseason fate. Meanwhile, the Broncos aim to win the AFC West title with a victory over the Jaguars and a Chargers loss. Additionally, they strive for the No. 1 overall seed in the conference, contingent on favorable outcomes elsewhere.
NFC Playoff Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)* – Clinched playoffs
- Chicago Bears (10-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)* – Clinched playoffs
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
- In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6), Carolina Panthers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
In the NFC, teams such as the Bears, Eagles, Seahawks, and Packers are also in contention to secure playoff positions. The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win or based on the outcome of the Cowboys’ game.
NFL Playoff Bracket Overview
| AFC | Matchup |
|---|---|
| (1) Broncos | BYE |
| (2) Patriots | vs. (7) Texans |
| (3) Jaguars | vs. (6) Bills |
| (4) Steelers | vs. (5) Chargers |
| NFC | Matchup |
|---|---|
| (1) Seahawks | BYE |
| (2) Bears | vs. (7) Packers |
| (3) Eagles | vs. (6) 49ers |
| (4) Buccaneers | vs. (5) Rams |
NFL Playoff Schedule
- January 10-12, 2026: Wild-card round
- January 17-18: Divisional round
- January 25: AFC and NFC Championship games
- February 8: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California
As the NFL playoffs approach, all eyes will be on the teams competing in Week 16. This pivotal week could determine the postseason journey for several franchises. Fans will eagerly watch the developments as teams vie for their championship aspirations.
