NFL playoff scenarios: Which teams can clinch in Week 15?

NFL playoff scenarios: Which teams can clinch in Week 15?

December 10, 2024

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With four weeks remaining, only four NFL teams – the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles – have officially sealed at least part of their playoff fortune by clinching a spot in the postseason field. But they’re sure to be joined soon by several more, possibly starting as early as Sunday.

The clinching scenarios for Week 15 are fairly straightforward, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings both facing win-and-in games. Two more division titles can be claimed, as the Houston Texans can wrap up the AFC South and the Eagles can seal the NFC East. And the Green Bay Packers can also punch their ticket with a win and a little help.

Here are the playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15:

Houston Texans

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Clinch playoff berth with:
    • Steelers win or tie
    • Dolphins loss or tie + Colts loss or tie

Green Bay Packers

  • Clinch playoff berth with:
    • Packers win + Falcons loss or tie + 49ers-Rams tie

Minnesota Vikings

  • Clinch playoff berth with:
    • Vikings win or tie
    • Rams loss or tie
    • Seahawks loss or tie

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Clinch NFC East with:
    • Eagles win + Commanders loss or tie
    • Eagles tie + Commanders loss

NFL teams that have clinched playoff spots

  • Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West
  • Buffalo Bills: AFC East
  • Detroit Lions: Playoff berth
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff berth

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