The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams became the first teams to secure postseason berths this season after Week 15 games. The Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention following a 16-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. Both clinching teams are positioned as favorites for the top seeds in their conferences.
As the NFL regular season progresses into its later stages, the playoff landscape took shape following the Week 15 slate. The Broncos improved to 12-2 and clinched a spot with a victory over the Green Bay Packers, positioning them as the AFC's leading contender for the No. 1 seed with 63% odds according to The Athletic's playoff predictor. Their next matchup is against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 21 at 4:05 p.m. ET.
In the NFC, the Rams moved to 11-3 and locked in their berth after defeating the Detroit Lions, holding a 55% chance to claim the top seed. They face a crucial test at the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs' elimination caps a disappointing stretch, leaving them at 6-8. Other AFC teams still vying for spots include the New England Patriots (11-3), who have 76% odds to win the AFC East despite a recent loss, and the Jaguars (10-4) leading the South at 56% division odds. The Chargers (10-4) boast a 90% playoff probability, while the Bills (10-4) are nearly assured a berth.
On the NFC side, the Bears (10-4) sit second with 78% playoff odds and 42% to win the North, setting up a pivotal game against the Packers (9-4-1) on December 20. The Seahawks (11-3) have strong playoff chances but only 35% to take the West, making their upcoming clash with the Rams critical. Eliminated teams include the Bengals (4-10) and Jets (3-11).
These developments highlight the tightening races in both conferences as teams jockey for positioning.