Denver, Colorado, December 22, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars achieved a remarkable 34-20 victory against the Denver Broncos, shifting the AFC playoff dynamics for the current NFL season. This win at Empower Field in Denver halted the Broncos’ 11-game winning streak, while the Jaguars, now at an 11-4 record, are positioned closer to claiming a top seed in the AFC. Led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s impressive performance, which included three touchdown passes, the Jaguars exhibited a dominant offense and strong defense.
Jacksonville Triumphs Over Denver in Critical Week 16 Showdown, Reshaping AFC Playoff Picture
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a significant 34-20 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, December 21, 2025, dramatically impacting the AFC playoff landscape for the 2025 NFL season. The win took place at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. This outcome halted the Broncos’ impressive 11-game winning streak and propelled the Jaguars closer to a top seed in the AFC.
Key Offensive Performances Drive Jaguars’ Victory
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence delivered a strong performance, throwing three touchdown passes and adding another rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Parker Washington also played a pivotal role, accumulating 145 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown. The Jaguars, now with an 11-4 record, showcased a potent offense and a defense that made crucial plays, never allowing the Broncos to seriously threaten after establishing a substantial lead.
Broncos Maintain Top AFC Seed Despite Loss
Despite the loss, the Denver Broncos, who now hold a 12-3 record, still maintain their position as the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The defeat, however, reduces their lead and intensifies the competition for the top spot in the conference.
Carolina Panthers Overtake Tampa Bay Buccaneers for NFC South Lead
In another critical Week 16 matchup on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This victory propelled the Panthers, now 8-7, into sole possession of first place in the NFC South, moving ahead of the Buccaneers, who now stand at 7-8.
Panthers’ Young Leads Offense, Defense Secures Win
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young contributed significantly with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns. The game remained close, with the Panthers securing their lead late in the fourth quarter. A crucial interception by Lathan Ransom of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield in the final minute sealed the win for Carolina. Baker Mayfield finished with 145 passing yards and a rushing contribution of 49 yards.
Nationwide Playoff Picture Takes Shape After Intense Week 16
Across the National Football League, Week 16 delivered several outcomes with significant implications for the ongoing playoff race, further clarifying the postseason picture.
AFC Playoff Clinches and Standings
- The New England Patriots clinched a playoff spot with a 28-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars’ win over the Broncos elevated them to an 11-4 record, placing them third in the AFC standings behind the Denver Broncos (12-3) and New England Patriots (12-3).
- Other teams in strong playoff contention in the AFC include the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6), Los Angeles Chargers (11-4), Buffalo Bills (11-4), and Houston Texans (10-5).
- The Steelers secured a dramatic 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions, impacting the Lions’ playoff hopes.
NFC Playoff Clinches and Standings
- Multiple NFC teams officially secured their playoff berths in Week 16. The Seattle Seahawks clinched a spot after a thrilling 38-37 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
- The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders.
- The Chicago Bears (11-4) also clinched a playoff spot by defeating the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime.
- The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) secured a playoff berth following the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The Carolina Panthers’ win over the Buccaneers placed them as the leader in the NFC South with an 8-7 record.
- The NFC playoff picture is currently led by the Seattle Seahawks (12-3), followed by the Chicago Bears (11-4), Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), and the Carolina Panthers (8-7).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the key results from NFL Week 16 in the last 48 hours?
The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a significant 34-20 victory over the Denver Broncos. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20, taking over first place in the NFC South.
Where did the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos game take place?
The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos game took place at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
When did these Week 16 games happen?
These Week 16 games occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
What was the score of the Jaguars vs. Broncos game?
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Denver Broncos with a score of 34-20.
How did the Carolina Panthers’ win impact the NFC South standings?
The Carolina Panthers’ 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers propelled them into sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
Which teams clinched Nationwide playoff spots in Week 16?
Nationwide, the New England Patriots clinched a playoff spot, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East, the Seattle Seahawks clinched a playoff spot, the Chicago Bears clinched a playoff spot, and the San Francisco 49ers secured a playoff berth.
NFL Week 16 Key Game Highlights
| Game | Winner (Score) | Loser (Score) | Key Player Performance (Winner) | Impact on Standings / Playoff Picture | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos | Jacksonville Jaguars (34) | Denver Broncos (20) | Trevor Lawrence (3 Pass TDs, 1 Rush TD) | Jaguars (11-4) closer to AFC top seed; Broncos (12-3) remain AFC No. 1 seed but streak ends. | Nationwide |
| Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Carolina Panthers (23) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20) | Bryce Young (191 Pass Yards, 2 TDs) | Panthers (8-7) take 1st place in NFC South; Buccaneers (7-8) fall to 2nd. | State-level (NFC South) |
| New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens | New England Patriots (28) | Baltimore Ravens (24) | N/A | Patriots (12-3) clinched a playoff spot. | Nationwide |
| Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders | Philadelphia Eagles (29) | Washington Commanders (18) | N/A | Eagles (10-5) clinched NFC East title. | Nationwide |
| Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams | Seattle Seahawks (38) | Los Angeles Rams (37) (OT) | N/A | Seahawks (12-3) clinched a playoff spot. | Nationwide |
| Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers | Chicago Bears (22) | Green Bay Packers (16) (OT) | N/A | Bears (11-4) clinched a playoff spot. | Nationwide |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions | Pittsburgh Steelers (29) | Detroit Lions (24) | N/A | Steelers (9-6) secured crucial win, impacting Lions’ playoff hopes; 49ers clinched playoff berth due to Lions loss. | Nationwide |
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