Chargers playoff picture: Updated chances for Los Angeles to make 2025 NFL postseason in Week 16

Three short weeks ago, the Los Angeles Chargers' path to the playoffs looked daunting with seemingly no breaks over the final five games on their schedule.

So far, so good. The Chargers survived the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, eliminating the Chiefs last week, and they handled business against the Dallas Cowboys on the road on Sunday.

Was that enough to get the Chargers into the playoffs?

Here's a closer look at where L.A. stands in the AFC West and AFC wild-card races.

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff pictures

AFC West standings

The Chargers have yet to clinch a playoff berth, but they can do so in Week 16 with losses by either the Houston Texans (vs. Las Vegas Raiders) or Indianapolis Colts (vs. San Francisco 49ers). 

To win the AFC West, however, the Chargers are going to need two more losses from the Denver Broncos. L.A. faces the Broncos in Denver in Week 18, but the Broncos would clinch the division by picking up wins over both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chiefs before that game is even played.

Because the Chargers won on Sunday, they will remain in AFC West contention into Week 17. 

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AFC wild-card standings

Three teams will make the playoffs in a wild-card spot in the AFC, and the Chargers are now positioned excellently to be one of those teams if they can't win the AFC West.

With Sunday's win, the Chargers remain the No. 5 seed in the AFC and can clinch at least a wild-card spot with either a Texans or Colts loss. Even if Houston and Indianapolis both win, the Chargers would face a simple win-and-in scenario in Week 17.

Chargers remaining schedule

The Chargers will play a Saturday game against the Texans in Week 17 before going on the road to Denver to face the Broncos in Week 18. Whether the Broncos have already clinched the AFC West will determine whether that regular-season finale is significant or not.