AFC Playoff Picture and Scenarios After Week 15: Chiefs are done, Ravens hang on, Patriots slip

The Denver Broncos became the first AFC team to book their spot in the playoffs on Sunday, earning a 34-26 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

However, another AFC contender failed to follow suit. The New England Patriots also entered Sunday hoping to secure a playoff berth but lost 35-31 to the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.

Week 15 delivered another major shakeup in the conference, as the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention. It's the first time since 2014 that the team will be watching the postseason from home. The disappointment was compounded by a blow late in its loss to the LA Chargers, as Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn left ACL.

The Baltimore Ravens are still in the playoff race. They secured a 24-0 win over the Bengals, which ended Cincinnati's playoff hopes.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

As the league enters the final three weeks of the regular season, the AFC playoff race remains fluid. Here's a look at where things stand after Sunday’s action.

AFC playoff picture after Week 15

The Buffalo Bills keep their AFC East hope alive with close win

The Buffalo Bills trailed 24-7 at halftime against the New England Patriots. The Bills defense struggled early, allowing the Patriots to dominate.

However, Buffalo (10-4) rallied in the second half to secure a 35-31 victory, keeping the AFC East race alive. It marked the team's biggest comeback since 2011, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

The defeat ended New England’s 10-game winning streak and pulled the Bills within one game of the Patriots (11-3) in the division race.

Although New England remains in control entering the final three weeks, the margin for error is thin. Another loss could allow Buffalo to retain the AFC East crown for the sixth straight year.

The Chiefs won't play in the playoffs for the first time in 11 years

A 16-13 home loss to the LA Chargers crushed the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes.

The defeat marked the end of an era for Kansas City. The fanchise reached five of the last six Super Bowls, made 10 straight playoff appearances and captured nine consecutive AFC West crowns.

The Chiefs will likely play the remaining three weeks of the regular season assessing their roster and determining their approach to the 2026 campaign.

The Denver Broncos clinch a playoff berth for the second consecutive season

The Denver Broncos punched their ticket to the playoffs with a win over the Green Bay Packers. They secured back-to-back postseason berths for the first time in nearly a decade.

With three weeks remaining, the Broncos will shift their focus to clinching their first AFC West title since 2015. They could win the division as early as next week with a victory over the Jaguars, combined with a Chargers loss to the Cowboys. A division crown would guarantee Denver its first home playoff matchup since the 2016 AFC championship game.

Overview of AFC playoff picture ahead of Week 16 (MNF to go)

1. Denver Broncos (12-2) - First-round bye

2. New England Patriots - (11-3)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)

5. LA Chargers (10-4)

6. Buffalo Bills (10-4)

7. Houston Texans (9-5)

Out of playoff spots

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-7)

10. Miami Dolphins (6-7)

11. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) - Eliminated

12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) - Eliminated

13. New York Jets (3-11) - Eliminated

14. Cleveland Browns (3-11) - Eliminated

15. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) - Eliminated

16. Tennessee Titans (2-12) - Eliminated

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez