NFL Week 16 playoff picture: Updated odds and clinching scenarios

Updating our Week 16 preview: The Broncos (12-2) and Rams (11-3) have clinched playoffs, while nine other teams eye berths this weekend. New odds highlight favorites, with Broncos at 73% for AFC's No. 1 seed and near-certainties for many contenders.

Building on yesterday's clinching overview, here are updated probabilities and key Week 16 matchups (all times ET):

AFC Highlights

  • Denver Broncos (12-2) vs. Jaguars (Sun, 4:05 p.m.): 73% No. 1 seed odds (The Athletic). Clinch West with win + Chargers L/T; top seed needs win + Chargers/Bills L/T.
  • New England Patriots (11-3) at Ravens (Sun, 8:20 p.m.): 70% East, 99% playoffs (NFL.com). Clinch with win/T or Colts/Texans setbacks.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) at Broncos: 60% South, 97% playoffs.
  • Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) at Cowboys: 93% playoffs, 9% division.
  • Buffalo Bills (10-4) at Browns: 27% East, near-100% playoffs.
  • Others: Texans (9-5, 98% playoffs), Steelers (8-6, 60%), Colts (8-6, 8-16%), Ravens (7-7, 34% North).

NFC Highlights

  • Los Angeles Rams (11-3) vs. Seahawks (Thu, 8:15 p.m.): 53% No. 1 seed.
  • Chicago Bears (10-4) vs. Packers (Sat, 8:30 p.m.): 52% North, 84% playoffs.
  • Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) at Commanders (Sat, 5 p.m.): 99% playoffs; clinch East with win/Cowboys L.
  • Seattle Seahawks (11-3) at Rams: 30% West.
  • San Francisco 49ers (10-4) at Colts (Mon): 99% playoffs.
  • Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) at Bears: 43% North.
  • Others: Buccaneers (7-7, 77%), Panthers (7-7, 24%), Lions (8-6, 27%), Cowboys (6-7-1, <1%).

Full standings and paths align with prior coverage; odds reflect latest models.

Makala yanayohusiana

Dramatic stadium scene of NFL Week 16 excitement as nine teams vie for playoff clinches, with Broncos and Rams already secured.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Nine NFL teams could clinch playoff spots in week 16

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Only the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams have secured playoff berths through 15 weeks of the 2025 NFL season. Week 16 offers clinching opportunities for nine additional teams across both conferences. Scenarios depend on wins, losses, and ties in key matchups.

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.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Updating our Week 16 playoff coverage: SportsLine simulations of the NFL's final three weeks project the Denver Broncos as AFC top seed and Green Bay Packers as NFC North winners. Building on current clinchers (Rams, Broncos) and nine potential Week 16 berths, tight races persist amid key remaining schedules.

The 2026 NFL playoffs reach the divisional round with four high-stakes games on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18. Top power-ranked seeds Denver Broncos (14-3) and Seattle Seahawks (14-3) host Buffalo Bills (12-5) and San Francisco 49ers (12-5), respectively, while New England Patriots (14-3) face Houston Texans (11-6) and Chicago Bears (11-6) welcome Los Angeles Rams (10-7). Updated lines show tight contests amid injuries and potent offenses, with models projecting close outcomes and overs.

Imeripotiwa na AI

With two weeks remaining in the 2025 NFL regular season, the NFC playoff picture remains fluid, particularly in the South division and for the top seed. The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will decide the NFC South title in their Week 18 matchup, while the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers vie for the No. 1 overall seed. Several teams have already clinched postseason berths, but key spots and byes are still contested.

The Los Angeles Rams remain the No. 1 team in multiple Week 13 power rankings, highlighting a highly competitive playoff race across the NFL. Analysts note the parity at the top, with no clear dominant force emerging after 12 weeks of the 2025 season. Teams like the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos also rank highly amid shifting standings.

Imeripotiwa na AI

The Seattle Seahawks' controversial 38-37 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams has propelled them to 12-3 and the NFC's top spot, clinching a playoff berth and reshaping the conference race. The win, capped by a bizarre backward-pass two-point conversion, hands the San Francisco 49ers control of their No. 1 seed destiny.

Jumatano, 7. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 13:24:16

2026 NFL wild card weekend features six playoff matchups

Jumanne, 6. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 15:30:15

2026 NFL Wild Card Weekend updates: Odds, predictions and off-field moves

Jumanne, 6. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 00:10:38

2026 NFL wild card weekend features six playoff matchups

Ijumaa, 2. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 03:39:54

NFL Week 18 features pivotal playoff seeding battles

Jumanne, 30. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 08:56:09

John Breech's NFL Week 18 picks highlight playoff seeding battles

Jumanne, 30. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 08:41:56

NFL Week 18 to resolve divisions and playoff seeds

Jumatano, 24. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 01:42:59

NFL Week 17 brings high stakes for playoffs and draft

Jumamosi, 20. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 19:43:37

NFL Week 16 Expert Picks and Best Bets for Playoff-Clinching Matchups

Jumanne, 9. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 04:19:09

Broncos, Patriots and Rams can clinch playoffs in Week 15

Ijumaa, 28. Mwezi wa kumi na moja 2025, 22:27:54

NFL playoff picture shifts after Thanksgiving and Black Friday games

 

 

 

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa