NFL playoff-clinching scenarios revealed for Week 16

Several NFL teams can clinch playoff spots in Week 16, as outlined by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network on Tuesday.

Week 16 playoff scenarios, including potential clinching for the #Broncos, #Chargers and #Commanders. pic.twitter.com/pVwiVLyD0L

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 17, 2024

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.