There are three weeks left within the 2024 NFL common season, and the playoff image is even clearer. 9 groups are already eradicated from the postseason, and 7 have clinched berths.
The Payments, Chiefs and Texans gained their division titles in Weeks 13, 14 and 15, respectively. The Lions and Vikings are tied for first within the NFC North, whereas the Eagles are near the NFC East crown. The NFC South and NFC West are nonetheless very a lot up for grabs. And get this: If the Chargers win on Thursday night time and the Colts, Dolphins and Bengals all lose Sunday, the AFC discipline will probably be locked. In accordance with the Elias Sports activities Bureau, there has by no means been an occasion the place one convention had each playoff spot clinched with two weeks left within the season (for the reason that playoffs expanded to 10 groups in 1978).
Let’s check out Week 16 clinching situations for eight groups, together with how the AFC’s No. 1 seed could possibly be determined a minimum of two weeks early for the primary time since 2009.
Extra NFL playoff race protection:
Projecting the ultimate seeding
FPI scores for each crew
Projected 2025 draft order
Week 16 clinching situations within the AFC
Already clinched: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Buffalo Payments, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans
The matchup: at Chargers on Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
How the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: vs. Broncos on Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
How the Chargers can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: vs. Houston on Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
How the Chiefs can clinch the No. 1 seed:
The matchup: at Baltimore on Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Steelers can clinch the AFC North:
The matchup: vs. Pittsburgh on Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Ravens can clinch a playoff berth:
Week 16 clinching situations within the NFC
Already clinched: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings
The matchup: at Commanders on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Eagles can clinch the NFC East:
The matchup: vs. Eagles on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Commanders can clinch a playoff berth:
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Win + Atlanta loss vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Rams loss at Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) OR
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Win + Atlanta loss vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Seattle loss vs. Vikings (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)
The matchup: vs. New Orleans on Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
How the Packers can clinch a playoff berth:
