The race for the NFL playoffs is intensifying as teams look to secure their spots. As of Week 16, one AFC playoff berth has already been claimed, with the potential for the conference's field to be locked in by the end of Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of the key playoff clinching scenarios for both the AFC and NFC teams in Week 16.
AFC Clinching Scenarios
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens sealed their playoff berth with a 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. With the victory, they confirmed their place in the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
To clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Chiefs need the Buffalo Bills to lose or tie.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot if the following happens:
The Miami Dolphins lose or tie
The Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie
The Indianapolis Colts lose or tie
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers can secure a playoff berth with:
The Miami Dolphins losing or tying
The Indianapolis Colts losing or tying
NFC Clinching Scenarios
Philadelphia Eagles
To claim the NFC East title, the Eagles need either a win or a tie in their upcoming game.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers can clinch a playoff berth with:
A win or tie
The Atlanta Falcons losing or tying and the Los Angeles Rams losing or tying
The Falcons losing or tying and the Seattle Seahawks losing or tying
Washington Commanders
The Commanders can clinch a playoff berth with one of the following scenarios:
Commanders win + Falcons lose or tie + Rams lose or tie
Commanders win + Falcons lose or tie + Seahawks lose or tie
Commanders tie + Falcons lose + Cardinals lose or tie + Rams lose or tie + Seahawks lose or tie (as long as neither the Rams nor the Seahawks tie)
As Week 16 unfolds, many teams are still fighting for their playoff chances, and a few will depend on the outcomes of other games to clinch their spots in the postseason. The NFC South and NFC West division races remain tight, meaning some teams' playoff fates may extend into the following week.
