NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Three teams could be among first to clinch ~ RED MAG

NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Three teams could be among first to clinch Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz, USA TODAY December 10, 2025 at 4:19 AM 0 NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Three teams could be among first to clinch The NFL playoff picture might actually see its first pieces fall into place in Week 15. Through early December, the league found more clarity from the bottom tier of teams – with nine already eliminated from postseason contention – than at the top. That could change starting Dec.

- - NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Three teams could be among first to clinch

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY December 10, 2025 at 4:19 AM

NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Three teams could be among first to clinch

The NFL playoff picture might actually see its first pieces fall into place in Week 15.

Through early December, the league found more clarity from the bottom tier of teams – with nine already eliminated from postseason contention – than at the top. That could change starting Dec. 14, however, as three teams – the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams – could become the first to seal playoff berths. While the latter two can't yet wrap up their respective divisions, the Patriots could end the Buffalo Bills' five-year reign atop the AFC East if they're able to defeat Josh Allen and Co. at home.

Here's what's on the table for all three teams and how they could get there:

Denver Broncos playoff clinching scenarios in Week 15

Broncos clinch a playoff berth with:

Broncos win

Broncos tie and Chargers loss

Broncos tie and Jaguars loss

Broncos tie and Texans loss or tie

Broncos tie and Colts loss or tie

Texans loss or tie and Colts loss or tie, as long as both games don't end in a tie

New England Patriots playoff clinching scenarios in Week 15

Patriots clinch AFC east with:

Patriots win

Patriots clinch playoff berth with:

Patriots win

Patriots tie and Chargers loss

Patriots tie and Texans loss or tie

Patriots tie and Colts loss or tie

Patriots tie and Jaguars loss

Texans loss or tie and Colts loss or tie, as long as both games don't end in a tie

Los Angeles Rams playoff clinching scenarios Week 15

Rams clinch playoff berth with:

Rams win

makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

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