The playoff picture became clearer in week 15 as a number of teams punched their tickets to postseason play. The'Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) needed extra time to knock off the'Houston Texans (1-12-1) but secured the AFC West title in the process. The NFC West was wrapped up with a San Francisco 49ers (10-4) win over the'Seattle Seahawks (7-7) on Thursdays.
The Buffalo Bills (11-3) toppled the'Miami Dolphins (8-6) on Saturday to secure a spot.'The'Dallas Cowboys'(10-4) lost to the'Jacksonville Jaguars'(6-8), but thanks to Seahawks and Washington Commanders (7-6-1) losses, still secured a spot. The'Minnesota Vikings (11-3) had the largest comeback in NFL history with a 39-36 win over the'Indianapolis Colts'(4-9-1) on Saturday — despite trailing 33-0 — and also guaranteed themselves extra play in January.
Week 16 kicks off with the Jaguars visiting the'New York Jets (7-7) on Thursday Night Football. A full slate of games on Christmas Eve (Saturday) is highlighted by games with playoff implications. The New England Patriots'(7-7) host the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals (10-4), the'Detroit Lions (7-7) visit the'Carolina Panthers (5-9). The largest present under the tree may be the'Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) with a chance to secure the NFC East with a win over the Cowboys.
Christmas Day features a 3-game slate, kicking off the'Green Bay Packers (5-8 through 14 weeks) at the Dolphins and punctuated with the NFC South-leading'Tampa Bay Buccaneers'(6-8) visiting the'Arizona Cardinals (4-10). The week wraps up with the'Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) at the Colts on Monday Night Football.