The Chargers are still alive in the AFC West race too after the Denver Broncos lost on Sunday. Next week, the Chargers host the Texans on Saturday, and then close the season by playing Denver. The Dallas Cowboys host the Los Angeles Chargers in a Week 16 matchup that is important for one team and lost luster for the other.

What are the Patriots' paths to: the AFC East title? A top seed and a bye? Who would they play if the playoffs started now?

On the heels of dramatic victories by the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears that catapulted them to the top of the NFC, Sunday's Week 16 slate looked to continue the unpredictable nature of the 2025 season and throw the playoff picture further into mystery and disarray.

The Broncos currently hold the No. 1 seed and are playing for the same seeding advantages the Jaguars are playing for, with the Los Angeles Chargers similarly on their trail in the AFC West. That means the magnitude of Sunday's game for both teams is at a clear high.

The Houston Texans' win over the Las Vegas Raiders was closer than they wanted but in the end didn't impact Houston's standing in the AFC playoff race. A look at how the AFC stands: Teams listed in order of tiebreakers. The top seed receives a first-round bye.

What is shaping up to be a pivotal Week 16 saw its first big development on Thursday night. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams on a two-point play in overtime to take control of the NFC West and the No.

The Patriots still control their own destiny in the AFC East, but their road to get the AFC's No. 1 seed is narrow.

At 11-4 after beating the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Chargers are now only one game behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West with two games to play.