Sunday result: The Jaguars scored a huge victory by downing the Broncos 34-20 on Sunday. With that result, the Jags can officially clinch a playoff berth with a Colts loss on Monday Night Football. The added bonus for Jacksonville is that it has now entered the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, as it now sits just a game behind Denver with the tiebreaker in its back pocket.
One of the most fascinating matchups in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season takes place in the late-afternoon window on Sunday, when the 12-2 Denver Broncos host the 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the Broncos have already clinched a playoff spot, the Jaguars can join them in the postseason with a win over Denver, and a little bit of help from around the rest of the league.
Let’s dive into Jacksonville’s playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 16.
Jaguars playoff berth clinching scenarios
Jacksonville has four different paths to locking up a playoff spot in Week 16, but they do not control their destiny. At least, not yet. The Jaguars will need a little help from around the league if they are to punch their ticket this weekend.
The most likely path? That involves a win over the Broncos, coupled with an Indianapolis Colts loss or tie against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Jacksonville can also clinch a playoff spot with a win over Denver, and a Houston Texans loss or tie against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Houston is a heavy favorite in that game.
The Jaguars also have two ways they can clinch a playoff spot with a tie against the Broncos. In the first, a tie against Denver coupled with a Colts loss to the 49ers gets the Jaguars into the postseason.
In the second, a Jaguars tie paired with a Colts tie and a Houston loss clinches a playoff spot for Jacksonville.
It is important to note that the Jaguars cannot clinch the AFC South this week, as the Texans are just a game behind in the division at 9-5.
AFC standings entering Week 16
Here is the full AFC picture entering Week 16:
x – Team has clinched a playoff spot
e – Team has been eliminated from playoff contention
AFC South standings entering Week 16
Here are the AFC South standings entering Week 16:
