NFL Playoff Picture: Clinching Scenarios for Broncos, Patriots, and Rams
The playoff picture is becoming clearer with four weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season. Nine teams have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but no teams have clinched a postseason berth. That could change this weekend. The Broncos, Patriots, and Rams are all in position to secure a playoff spot, and we’ll break down the clinching scenarios for each team.
The Broncos can clinch a berth through two scenarios, while the Patriots could make it and win the AFC East if things go their way. In the NFC, the Rams simply have to win to secure a postseason spot. Let’s take a look at the clinching scenarios for each of these three teams.
More NFL playoff race coverage:
Projecting the final seeding
FPI ratings for every team
Projected 2026 draft order
Week 15 Playoff-Clinching Scenarios in the AFC
The matchup: vs. Green Bay on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth:
Win or
Houston loss vs. Arizona (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) plus Indianapolis loss at Seattle (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)
According to ESPN, the Broncos have a strong chance of clinching a playoff berth this weekend. With a win against the Green Bay Packers, they can secure a spot in the postseason. Alternatively, if the Houston Texans lose to the Arizona Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts lose to the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos can also clinch a berth.
The matchup: vs. Buffalo on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Patriots can clinch a playoff berth and the AFC East:
The New England Patriots can clinch a playoff berth and win the AFC East if they win against the Buffalo Bills and other results go in their favor. According to NFL.com, the Patriots need to win their remaining games and have the Miami Dolphins lose one of their remaining games to secure the division title.
Week 15 Playoff-Clinching Scenarios in the NFC
The matchup: vs. Detroit on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Rams can clinch a playoff berth:
The Los Angeles Rams can clinch a playoff berth with a win against the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN, the Rams need to win their remaining games to secure a spot in the postseason. With a strong performance this weekend, the Rams can take a significant step towards securing a playoff berth.
NFL Playoff Matchups as Things Stand
AFC
The AFC playoff picture is still taking shape, but several teams are in position to secure a spot in the postseason. The Broncos, Patriots, and other teams are all vying for a spot in the playoffs, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the final standings.
NFC
The NFC playoff picture is also becoming clearer, with the Rams and other teams in position to secure a spot in the postseason. With several teams still in contention, the next few weeks will be exciting as teams battle for a spot in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer, and several teams are in position to secure a spot in the postseason. The Broncos, Patriots, and Rams are all in contention, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the final standings. With exciting matchups and intense competition, the NFL playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the 2025 season.
