NFL Week 16 Opening Window and Playoff Scenarios
The Week 16 opening window of the NFL features seven games starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT. The matchups include Panthers vs Buccaneers, Browns vs Bills, Cowboys vs Chargers, Dolphins vs Bengals, Saints vs Jets, Giants vs Vikings, and Titans vs Chiefs.
The Panthers and Buccaneers are tied for the NFC South lead at 7–7. The Buccaneers hold the tiebreaker with a 5–5 divisional record compared to the Panthers' 4–6. A win in this game would give the Buccaneers approximately 95% odds to clinch the division, while a Panthers loss reduces their chances to around 5%.
In recent results, the Bears defeated the Packers in overtime last night, and the Eagles secured the NFC East title with a win over the Commanders.
Playoff scenarios for the Chargers, Bills, Colts, and Texans depend on a combination of wins and divisional results. A Chargers win combined with a Colts or Texans loss could clinch a playoff spot for Los Angeles. The Bills’ path is linked to the Chargers results; the Bills could secure the No. 5 seed with a win over the Browns.
The Patriots vs Ravens game is not decisive for the AFC East division. The Bills would still win the division if the Patriots lose their remaining games and the Bills win all three. Patriots losses would only help if they drop another game beyond that.
On individual player milestones, Browns edge rusher Josh Garrett is close to breaking the NFL single-season sack record. He would reach 22.5 sacks for the season with one more sack on Josh Allen in the upcoming games.
