With just three weeks left in the NFL regular season, we’re starting to see the playoff picture in both conferences take shape. In Week 15, we saw a few division champions crowned and others clinched their ticket to the playoffs. Not only did we see a few clubs secure their place in the tournament, but there was also significant movement in the AFC playoff standings as the Chargers surged to the No. 6 seed in the conference after starting week 15 on the outside looking in .
Looking ahead to Week 16, we have several make-or-break scenarios, including two more splits that could be concluded by this time next week. Before we jump into all of this, let’s take a look at what has already been determined.
Below, check out all of the playoff-deciding storylines for Week 16.
Buffalo Bills (11-3)
Win AFC East with:
- BUF Victory OR
- MIA Loss
Opponent of Week 16: at Bears (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS)
Earn a playoff berth with:
- CIN Victory OR
- Loss NYJ
Opponent of Week 16: at Patriots, (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS)
Earn a playoff berth with:
- BAL win + NYJ loss + NE loss OR
- BAL win + NYJ loss + MIA loss OR
- BAL victory + NE defeat + MIA defeat
Opponent of Week 16: vs. Falcons (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on FOX)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
Earn a playoff berth with:
- LAC win + NYJ loss + NE loss + LV loss
Opponent of Week 16: at Colts (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)
Win the NFC East title with:
- PSI Victory
Opponent of Week 16: at the Cowboys (Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX)
Earn a playoff berth with:
- NYG win + DET loss + SEA loss OR
- NYG win + DET loss + WAS loss OR
- NYG win + SEA loss + Was loss
Opponent of Week 16: at Vikings (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on FOX)