Jaguars, Chargers, Bills officially clinch playoff spots after 49ers’ MNF win

Monday night reshaped the NFL playoff picture in one sharp swing. The San Francisco 49ers turned MNF into a statement, and the ripple effects carried far beyond Levi’s Stadium. With the 49ers rolling, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills officially clinched playoff spots, locking in their postseason tickets before Week 17 even kicks off. The 49ers delivered the push, and the Jaguars, Chargers, and Bills felt the lift. One dominant night changed the math across the league.

The 49ers overwhelmed the Indianapolis Colts, 48–34, under the lights of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Brock Purdy played with command and confidence, throwing five touchdown passes in a performance that never loosened its grip. The crowd roared early, but the separation came later. Each drive tightened the picture for contenders watching from home. When the final seconds ticked away, the standings recalculated in real time.

For the Colts, the fall feels steep. Seven weeks ago, the Colts held the No. 1 spot in the AFC. Now, they’re fighting to stay relevant. The loss dropped them deeper into trouble, another reminder of how thin the margin has become. What once looked secure now feels fragile.

How the 49ers’ MNF Win Shook the Playoff Picture

Beyond the final score, however, the numbers tell a harsher story for the Colts. After starting 7–2, Indianapolis has gone 1–5. As a result, the slide erased their cushion and exposed every missed chance. Now, with only two games remaining, the Colts sit at a 1% chance to reach the playoffs. Effort remains. Hope, however, barely does.

Meanwhile, clarity arrived elsewhere. The Jaguars locked in their place after weeks of grinding wins. Likewise, the Chargers earned theirs through consistency and control. At the same time, the Bills survived the chaos and emerged stronger for it. None of it, though, happens without the 49ers closing the door on MNF.

That’s the league in December. One team surges. Others clinch. Another fades. As the field takes shape and pressure rises, one question lingers as January approaches. Which contender is just getting started, and who peaked too soon?

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