There are three weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season, and the playoff situation is clearer. Nine teams have already been eliminated from the postseason, and seven teams have secured advancement.
The Bills, Chiefs, and Texans won division titles in Weeks 13, 14, and 15, respectively. The Lions and Vikings are tied for first place in the NFC North, while the Eagles are close to the NFC East crown. The NFC South and NFC West remain hot favorites. And get this: If the Chargers win on Thursday night and the Colts, Dolphins and Bengals all lose on Sunday, the AFC field is locked. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, not once has one conference clinched all of the playoff spots with two weeks left in the season (since the playoffs expanded to 10 teams in 1978).
Let’s take a look at Week 16 clinching scenarios for eight teams, including how the AFC’s No. 1 seed could be decided at least two weeks early for the first time since 2009.
More NFL playoff race coverage:
Final seeding plan
FPI rating for all teams
Expected draft order in 2025
AFC’s Week 16 clinching scenario
Already confirmed: Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans
Matchup: Thursdays at 8:15 PM ET on Chargers on Prime Video
Here’s how the Broncos can secure a playoff spot:
Matchup: vs. Broncos Thursday 8:15 PM ET, Prime Video
Here’s how the Chargers can secure a playoff spot:
Matchup: Saturday 1:00 PM ET vs. Houston, NBC/Peacock
Here’s how the Chiefs can secure the No. 1 seed.
Matchup: Saturday 4:30 PM ET Baltimore, Fox
Here’s how the Steelers can clinch the AFC North:
Matchup: vs. Pittsburgh Saturday 4:30 PM ET, Fox
Here’s how the Ravens can secure a playoff spot:
NFC’s Week 16 clinching scenario
Already confirmed: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings
Matchup: Sundays at 1pm ET on Fox Commanders.
Here’s how the Eagles can take the NFC East:
Matchup: vs. Eagles Sunday, 1pm ET, Fox
How Commanders can secure a playoff spot:
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Win + Atlanta loss to Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Rams loss at Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sunday) OR
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Win + Atlanta Lose Giants (1 PM ET, Sunday) + Seattle Lose Vikings (4:05 PM ET, Sunday)
Matchup: vs. New Orleans Monday 8:15 PM ET, ABC/ESPN
Here’s how the Packers can secure a playoff spot:
