YouDenver Broncosand theLos Angeles Ramsbecame the first teams to qualify for the 2025-26 NFL season playoffs this Sunday, December 14. The two teams, leaders of their respective conferences, needed reactions in the second half to overcome direct opponents in games played at their stadiums. With these victories, Broncos in the AFC and Rams in the NFC mathematically advanced to the postseason, while nine teams remain in contention for the six remaining spots in each conference.
The Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers in Denver and emerged victorious 34 to 26. The team’s defense intercepted the opposing quarterback twice in the second half, while the attack featured an outstanding performance from the Bo Nix quarterback.
The Rams, in turn, played in Los Angeles against the Detroit Lions and won 41 to 34. The team scored consecutive points to reverse the initial disadvantage and seal the classification.
Broncos match details
The Broncos faced initial resistance from the Packers, who took the lead in the third quarter with a long touchdown run. Denver’s team responded quickly with accurate passes from Bo Nix, who accumulated more than 300 aerial yards and connected two decisive touchdowns.
The defense, considered one of the most efficient in the league, forced crucial turnovers at a key moment in the game. A final touchdown run sealed the positive result, guaranteeing the place and maintaining the lead in the AFC West with a campaign of 12 wins and two losses.
The victory represented the Broncos’s 11th consecutive victory, consolidating their position as one of the conference’s main forces.
GETUP! IT’S DUB DAY!pic.twitter.com/qEXgKwprXT
—Denver Broncos (@Broncos)December 15, 2025
Analysis of the Rams confrontation
The Rams saw the Lions open a ten-point lead in the second quarter, driven by long passes from the Jared Goff quarterback. The answer came with a 20-point streak, including passing and rushing touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford distributed passes well, finding receivers in decisive positions. In the fourth quarter, another touchdown connection widened the gap, although the Lions pulled one back in the final minutes with a run.
The victory kept the Rams at the top of the NFC West, with 11 wins and three losses, and reinforced their candidacy for field control in the postseason.
Conference status
- Nine teams remain in contention for six spots in the AFC and another nine in the NFC.
- Teams like Patriots, Jaguars and Chargers in the AFC, in addition to Bears, Seahawks and 49ers in the NFC, continue with strong campaigns.
Confirmed eliminations
Three teams were officially eliminated this Sunday. Os Kansas City Chiefs lost to Chargers and were left out of the playoffs for the first time in ten years, aggravated by an injury to their star quarterback.
The Cincinnati Bengals fell before the Baltimore Ravens. Os Minnesota Vikings were eliminated without entering the field, due to favorable results against direct rivals.
These eliminations intensify the competition for the remaining places in the coming weeks.
Individual highlights
Bo Nix completed passes for multiple touchdowns in one of his best career performances. Pela Broncos defense, interceptions in the second half changed the course of the match.
In Rams, Blake Corum contributed with a touchdown run, while Colby Parkinson received decisive passes. Quarterbacks Stafford and Goff led productive offenses in a high-scoring duel.
Upcoming challenges
The Broncos face games against divisional rivals in the final rounds, looking to consolidate their lead in the AFC. Os Rams have a direct confrontation ahead in the NFC West, which could define field control.
The regular season continues with decisive rounds until the beginning of January.
Teams in contention
In the AFC, Chargers, Bills and Texans occupy wild card positions, while Patriots and Jaguars lead divisions. In the NFC, Bears took the divisional lead, with Seahawks and 49ers close to Rams.
- Teams with campaigns above nine wins maintain real chances.
- Injuries to key players on some teams influence the scenario.
The early classification of Broncos and Rams marks the beginning of the definition of the playoffs in a balanced season.
