NFL Week 15 playoff scenarios: First berths up for grabs

The first playoff clinching scenarios in the 2025 NFL season are relatively straightforward.

The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams all face win-and-you’re-in opportunities in Week 15 as they try to become the first teams to clinch postseason berths. But the Broncos and Patriots also have avenues to seal spots even if they don’t emerge victorious on Sunday. And a division title is within reach for New England, which can wrap up its first AFC East crown since 2019 – Tom Brady’s final season with the franchise – by beating the Buffalo Bills.

Here are all the playoff clinching scenarios on the table in Week 15:

Denver Broncos Week 15 playoff clinching scenarios

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 Week 15 playoff clinching scenarios

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