As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, the postseason picture is becoming clearer, although significant positioning efforts will continue in the coming weeks. The week began with an AFC West matchup featuring playoff contenders, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos. The Chargers emerged victorious in a tightly contested game, winning 34-27. This high-scoring affair was unexpected from two teams that had defensive units tied for the most points allowed prior to Week 16.

On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs inched closer to securing the AFC's No. 1 seed. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans faced another setback with the loss of a key player. After a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens have entered a competitive race for the top of the AFC North as they show marked improvement in crucial areas, while the Steelers are feeling the absence of their star receiver.

Sunday saw Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. secure a victory in his first career start, mainly thanks to a solid supporting cast that featured strong contributions from running back Bijan Robinson and a defense that produced turnovers. The Los Angeles Rams continued their trend of low-scoring games but are positioned for a favorable finish. By the end of Week 16, the playoff landscape will have shifted significantly, shaping the expectations of teams as they move forward.