Heading into week 16 of the NFL season, several NFL teams could officially punch their ticket to the 2025-26 postseason.
Atop their respective divisions, the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos are in a prime position to stake their claim in the playoffs. For New England, it is possible that they not only clinch a playoff berth but also the division title.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams have the opportunity to become the first team in their conference to secure a guaranteed postseason spot. With three teams looking to take the next step, here are the scenarios that can see all three through to the postseason.
Clinching Scenarios for Patriots, Broncos, and Rams in Week 16
Off to joint 11-2 starts, no one expected the success New England and Denver have had thus far.
Regardless, both the Patriots and Broncos are now in line to take the first two spots in the AFC playoff picture. NFL.com provides scenarios for each.
New England Patriots Elimination Scenarios
New England clinches the AFC East division title with:
1.    NE win
New England clinches a playoff berth with:
- NE win OR
- NE tie + LAC loss OR
- NE tie + HOU loss or tie OR
- NE tie + IND loss or tie OR
- NE tie + JAX loss OR
- HOU loss or tie + IND loss or tie as long as both games don’t end in a tie
For Mike Vrabel’s Patriots, it has been a season of complementary football as New England ranks in the top 13 of PFSN metrics. Using PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, we see Drake Maye and the Patriots offense land in ninth place with an 81.5 impact score.
Defensively, the Pats currently rank 13th, with Terrell Williams’ unit earning a 78.6 impact score.
Denver Broncos Elimination Scenarios
Denver clinches a playoff berth with:
- DEN win OR
- DEN tie + LAC loss OR
- DEN tie + JAX loss OR
- DEN tie + HOU loss or tie OR
- DEN tie + IND loss or tie OR
- HOU loss or tie + IND loss or tie as long as both games don’t end in a tie
For the NFC’s current leader, here are the clinching scenarios for the Rams.
The Broncos’ defense has been a powerhouse since the end of last season. In 2025, Vance Joseph’s defense sits second overall using PFSN’s Defense Impact metric. Their 90.1 impact score plots them behind just the Houston Texans, who hold a 92.2 impact score.
It has been an up-and-down season offensively for Sean Payton’s club; however, they still find themselves at 13th overall with PFSN metrics. Their 76.9 impact score puts them ahead of talented offenses such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Los Angeles Rams Elimination Scenarios
The Los Angeles Rams clinch a playoff berth with:
- LAR wins
For these three ball clubs, they have been atop PFSN metrics all season, making it no surprise that they are the first three teams with the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.
The Rams may be the most well-rounded team in the NFL this season. Sean McVay’s group ranks in the top five both offensively and defensively when viewing PFSN metrics. On pace for an MVP season, the Matthew Stafford-led group boasts first place on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a 93.8 impact score and the only A grade in the entire NFL.
McVay’s club has been just as good defensively, ranking fifth in the NFL with an 86.9 impact score and the second stingiest red zone group in the league.
As all of New England, Denver, and Los Angeles (Rams) look to continue their dominance, who, if any, will earn a playoff berth this week?
