Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season was packed with dramatic finishes, major upsets, and decisive playoff implications. From electrifying comebacks to high-profile injuries, the league saw teams jostling for playoff positioning across both conferences.

Jaguars Deliver Statement Win

The Jacksonville Jaguars made one of the biggest statements of the week by defeating the Denver Broncos, ending their 11-game winning streak. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 16 passing touchdowns and added two rushing scores across Jacksonville’s current six-game winning streak, highlighting his growth under head coach Liam Coen.

Lawrence’s performance was particularly impressive against a top-tier AFC defense, producing four touchdowns from five red-zone trips, while Parker Washington contributed a standout receiving performance. Jacksonville’s defense also played a crucial role, shutting down Denver just as the Broncos looked poised for a 12th consecutive comeback. The Jaguars’ 34 points were the most Denver allowed all season, solidifying their status as legitimate AFC contenders.

Lions and Ravens Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, both considered Super Bowl favorites, now face uphill battles to reach the playoffs.

• Ravens: Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson was sidelined with a back injury during Baltimore’s loss to New England, leaving them 5-11 without their star quarterback. They must beat Green Bay and potentially face Pittsburgh in the final AFC North showdown.
• Lions: Detroit’s playoff hopes suffered a cruel blow when a last-minute touchdown by Jared Goff was overturned due to a penalty, leaving them reliant on winning their remaining games and hoping the Packers falter.

Chicago Bears’ Remarkable Fourth-Quarter Comebacks

The Chicago Bears continue to impress with their ability to mount late-game comebacks under quarterback Caleb Williams and first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Williams, the 2024 first overall draft pick, has led six fourth-quarter comebacks this season, an achievement matched only by Peyton Manning in 1999.

Against Green Bay, the Bears scored just three points over the first three quarters before rallying for 19 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2020. Williams’ poise and Johnson’s play-calling have made Chicago a team to watch heading into the postseason.

Other Week 16 Highlights

• Buffalo Bills scraped a 23-20 win over the Browns, marking quarterback Josh Allen’s 87th regular-season victory, second only to Patrick Mahomes in the first eight NFL seasons.
• Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is closing in on the single-season sack record, needing just one more to surpass 22.5.
• Justin Herbert helped the Los Angeles Chargers inch closer to the playoffs with a 34-17 win over Dallas, boosting his MVP credentials.
• Pittsburgh Steelers’ wild win over Detroit secured coach Mike Tomlin’s 200th career victory and extended the team’s streak to 22 consecutive non-losing seasons, the longest in NFL history.
• Seahawks made history by overturning a 0-155 record when trailing by 16+ points in the fourth quarter.

Playoff Picture After Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers have already clinched playoff spots. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers are on the brink, depending on the outcome of remaining games.

In the NFC, five of seven playoff spots are secured, with the Buccaneers or Panthers battling for the NFC South title. In the AFC, the Ravens, Steelers, Colts, and Texans are still vying for positioning, leaving fans on edge heading into Week 17.

Week 17 Schedule to Watch

• 25 Dec, 18:00 GMT: Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders
• 25 Dec, 21:30 GMT: Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
• 26 Dec, 01:15 GMT: Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
• 28 Dec, 18:00 GMT: Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers
• 28 Dec, 21:25 GMT: Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills

Live text coverage and radio commentary will be available for the late games, starting from 28 December, 17:45 GMT.