As the NFL season reaches Week 16, the playoff picture is starting to become clearer. The Patriots have already clinched a playoff spot and can wrap up the AFC East title and homefield advantage in the AFC with a win over Buffalo or a Jets loss or tie to the Bears.
Here are the clinching scenarios for the rest of the NFL:
Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh clinches AFC North division and a first-round bye with:
1) PIT win + BAL loss
Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City clinches AFC West division with:
1) KC win + SD loss or tie
OR
2) KC tie + SD loss
Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore clinches a playoff spot with:
1) BAL win or tie
OR
2) KC loss + JAX loss or tie
OR
3) KC loss + IND loss or tie
OR
4) SD loss or tie + JAX loss or tie
OR
5) SD loss or tie + IND loss or tie
New York Jets: New York Jets clinch a playoff spot with:
1) NYJ win or tie
OR
2) JAX loss or tie
OR
3) IND loss or tie
NFC
CLINCHED: Chicago – NFC North
Atlanta – playoff spot
Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta clinches NFC South division and homefield advantage with:
1) ATL win or tie
Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia clinches NFC East division with:
1) PHI win
OR
2) PHI tie + NYG loss or tie
OR
3) NYG loss
Philadelphia clinches a playoff spot with:
1) PHI tie
OR
2) TB loss or tie
Chicago Bears: Chicago clinches a first-round bye with:
1) CHI win + PHI loss + NYG loss or tie
New Orleans Saints: New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with:
1) NO win or tie
OR
2) TB loss or tie
New York Giants: New York Giants clinch a playoff spot with:
1) NYG win