Will a Seahawks win in Week 16 clinch a playoff spot? Here’s how Seattle can get in
Week 16 of the NFL season carries a ton of weight as nine teams look to clinch their playoff spots, and it begins Thursday night in Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks enter Week 16 in strong position, but with plenty still at stake. Sitting at 11–3 after Week 15, Seattle controls much of its own destiny, both in the NFC West and in the broader playoff picture.
So, does a win this week officially punch their ticket to the postseason? And what happens if they don’t win? Here’s how the Seahawks’ playoff path looks heading into a pivotal Thursday night matchup.
What happens if the Seahawks win in Week 16?
Yes, a Seahawks win clinches a playoff berth. Seattle faces the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night in a head-to-head matchup between two teams tied atop the NFC West at 11–3. A win would not only secure the Seahawks a spot in the postseason, it would also give them the inside track in the division race with two games remaining.
At minimum, a victory guarantees the Seahawks a playoff berth regardless of how the rest of the NFC shakes out over the weekend.
Can the Seahawks still clinch with a loss?
Surprisingly, yes. Seattle can still clinch even with a loss. If the Seahawks lose to the Rams, they can still lock up a playoff spot if the Detroit Lions lose or tie later in the week. Detroit enters Week 16 at 8–6, and their result plays a key role in Seattle’s clinching scenarios.
In short:
- Seahawks win or tie = playoff berth clinched
- Seahawks lose, but Lions lose or tie = playoff berth clinched
The #Seahawks already have a 99% probability in making the playoffs as of now: pic.twitter.com/QNVN9Y3WHz
— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) December 16, 2025
The only scenario where Seattle does not clinch this week is a Seahawks loss combined with a Lions win.
Why Thursday night matters beyond just clinching
While the Seahawks can get into the playoffs this week, Thursday’s game carries even bigger implications.
The winner of Seahawks-Rams will:
- Take control of the NFC West
- Remain firmly in the hunt for the NFC’s top seed
- Control their own destiny entering the final two weeks
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers (10–4) are still lurking one game back, keeping the division race very much alive.
The Seahawks don’t need help if they handle business. A win Thursday night removes all doubt and sends the Seahawks back to the playoffs, potentially with much bigger goals still in reach. A loss doesn’t end their season, but it does introduce risk. With playoff stakes rising, Week 16 represents Seattle’s clearest opportunity yet to make things official.
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