NFL playoff-clinching scenarios revealed for Week 16

On the AFC side of things, the Baltimore Ravens’ (9-5) simplest path to become playoff bound is with a win at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4). They can also gain entry into the postseason by way of a Miami Dolphins (6-8) and Indianapolis Colts (6-8) loss/tie. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, clinches the AFC North with a victory over its division rivals in Baltimore.

The Denver Broncos (9-5) have been one of the bigger surprises of the season. A win over the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) or a loss/tie by the Dolphins, Colts and Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) gives them a spot in the postseason. Los Angeles can clinch a playoff berth, but they’ll need some help. In addition to beating the Broncos, the Chargers need a loss/tie from both the Dolphins and Colts.

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) can clinch the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage with a win over the Houston Texans (9-5) plus a Buffalo Bills (11-3) loss/tie.

NFL playoffs rapidly approaching, several teams looking to clinch

Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) can wrap things up in the NFC East with a win or tie versus the Washington Commanders (9-5). Washington has an outside shot at clinching Sunday, needing a victory over the Eagles, as well as losses/ties by the Atlanta Falcons (7-7) and Los Angeles Rams (8-6) or Seattle Seahawks (8-6).

The Green Bay Packers (10-4) are in with a win/tie against the New Orleans Saints (5-9), or losses/ties by the Falcons and Rams or Seahawks. Green Bay would become the third NFC North team to earn a playoff spot.

The Week 16 slate gets underway this Thursday with the Chargers hosting the Broncos.