2025 NFL Playoff Picture, Bracket, Schedule: 8 Teams Clinch Spots in Week 16

More than half of the NFL's 14 playoff spots were clinched in Week 16.

Four spots in the NFC were clinched by the Seahawks, Eagles, Bears and 49ers. Over in the AFC, the Patriots clinched on Sunday night. Then, with the Colts' loss on Monday night, the Jaguars, Chargers and Bills all clinched a spot.

The Broncos control their own destiny to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while the Seahawks and 49ers also do in the NFC.

Here's where things stand after Week 16.

NFL Playoff Picture

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (12-3)*
2. New England Patriots (12-3)*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)*
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)*
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4)*
7. Houston Texans (10-5)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-7), Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

* Clinched playoffs

Three teams clinched a playoff spot on Monday night thanks to the Colts' loss to the 49ers: the Jaguars, Chargers and Bills.

The Broncos still have the No. 1 seed in the AFC despite their loss to the Jaguars and the Patriots' win. In the AFC North, the Steelers are in control with their win over the Lions and the Ravens' loss.

|| Week 16 Takeaways: Chargers-Cowboys | Jaguars-Broncos | Patriots-Ravens

Steelers beat Lions 29-24, Does Aaron Rodgers deserve credit for their 9-6 record? | The Herd

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3)*
2. Chicago Bears (11-4)*
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)*
4. Carolina Panthers (8-7)
5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)*
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)*
7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-7), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

* Clinched playoffs

San Francisco clinched a spot with the Lions' loss on Sunday, giving the NFC West three playoff teams with two weeks to go. The 49ers also moved above the Rams to the No. 5 seed with their win in Indianapolis on Monday night.

With the Bears' win on Saturday night and the Lions' loss to the Steelers on Sunday, Chicago is in the playoffs. Now, can the Bears hold off the Packers for the NFC North? They face a tough schedule to end the season against the 49ers and Lions.

The Panthers took control of the NFC South by beating the Buccaneers, although those teams meet again in Week 18. As long as Tampa Bay wins next week in Miami, that season finale will decide the division.

Bears beat Packers 22-16 in OT, Is Chicago a Super Bowl Contender? | The Herd

NFL Playoff Bracket

AFC

• (1) Broncos receive a bye
• (2) Patriots vs. (7) Texans
• (3) Jaguars vs. (6) Bills
• (4) Steelers vs. (5) Chargers

NFC

• (1) Seahawks receive a bye
• (2) Bears vs. (7) Packers
• (3) Eagles vs. (6) Rams
• (4) Panthers vs. (5) 49ers

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)

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