Here’s how the playoff race stands in the American Conference, through Week 16

The NFL is entering a decisive stretch in the race to reach the postseason ahead of Super Bowl LX, which will be played at Levi’s Stadium – home of the San Francisco 49ers in California – on Sunday, February 8, 2026. With just two weeks remaining in the regular-season schedule, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape.

In the American Football Conference, the Denver Broncos currently sit at the top with the No. 1 seed and a 12–3 record. They also became the first team in the AFC to clinch a playoff berth regardless of what happens over the final two weeks. The New England Patriots, also 12–3, occupy second place and secured their own postseason spot after defeating the Ravens.

This is how the AFC playoff standings would look if the season ended today:

Through Week 16, the various divisional leaders are:

1. Denver Broncos (12-2) | AFC West
2. New England Patriots (11-3) | AFC East
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) | AFC South
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) | AFC North

The teams that would currently claim the Wild Card spots are the Los Angeles Chargers (11–4), the Buffalo Bills (11–4), and the Houston Texans (10–5).

Meanwhile, several franchises have already been eliminated from postseason contention: the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans.

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