NFL Week 16 Playoff Picture Includes Chiefs Clinching Top Seed, Steelers And Eagles Winning Their Divisions
It's a big week for the Kansas City Chiefs because even as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is trying to recover from an ankle injury so he can play on Saturday, the NFL playoff picture shows the team can clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
That's one scenario for Week 16.
Others include the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles possibly winning their respective divisions. And five other teams locking down a playoff berth.
Here we go!
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs shakes hands with Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills after the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. Buffalo defeated Kansas City 24-20. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Chiefs Can Take Top Seed, But Bills Have Say
AFC
CLINCHED:
Buffalo Bills (11-3) – AFC East.
Houston Texans (9-5) – AFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) – AFC West.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) – playoff berth.
Scenario:
Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) vs. Houston Texans (9-5); Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NBC.
Chiefs clinch AFC No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and home field advantage with:
- KC win + BUF loss or tie.
- KC tie + BUF loss.
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Steelers Can Win AFC North
Scenario:
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5); Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX.
Steelers clinch AFC North with:
- PIT win.
Baltimore Ravens (9-5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4); Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX.
Ravens clinch a playoff berth with:
- BAL win or tie.
- MIA loss or tie + IND loss or tie.
Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) following the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Broncos, Chargers Vying For Spots
Scenario:
Denver Broncos (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6); Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video.
Broncos clinch playoff berth with:
- DEN win or tie.
- MIA loss or tie + CIN loss or tie + IND loss or tie.
Scenario:
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) vs. Denver Broncos (9-5); Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video.
Chargers clinch a playoff berth with:
- LAC win + MIA loss or tie + IND loss or tie.
- LAC tie + MIA loss + IND loss + CIN loss or tie.
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra (81) reacts to his touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Eagles Eyeing NFC East Title
NFC
CLINCHED:
Detroit Lions (12-2) – playoff berth.
Minnesota Vikings (12-2) – playoff berth.
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) – playoff berth.
Scenario:
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX.
Eagles clinch NFC East with:
- PHI win or tie.
Scenario:
Green Bay Packers (10-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-9); Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC.
Green Bay clinches playoff berth with:
- GB win or tie.
- ATL loss or tie + LAR loss or tie.
- ATL loss or tie + SEA loss or tie.
Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) stands on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Commanders Can Clinch, But Need Help
Scenario:
Washington Commanders (9-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX.
Commanders clinch playoff berth with:
- WAS win + ATL loss or tie + LAR loss or tie.
- WAS win + ATL loss or tie + SEA loss or tie.
- WAS tie + ATL loss + ARI loss or tie + LAR loss or tie + SEA loss or tie (as long as LAR and SEA both don't tie).