NFL Week 16 playoff clinching scenarios: Chiefs, Dolphins, Lions in the hunt

Posted by Tandra Barner on Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Four teams clinched NFL playoff berths, and the San Francisco 49ers nabbed the NFC West title. Four other teams entered Week 16 with the ability to secure playoff bids.

First, here’s a look at which teams have clinched playoff berths, divisions, etc.:

Here’s a look at what’s on the line this weekend for the NFL postseason:

AFC

Baltimore Ravens (11-3)

Week 16 opponent: at San Francisco (11-3); Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

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Baltimore clinches AFC North division title with:

  • BAL win + CLE loss or tie OR
  • BAL tie + CLE loss
  • Cleveland Browns (9-5)

    Week 16 opponent: at Houston (8-6); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

    Cleveland can no longer earn a playoff berth this week because the Bills and Steelers both won on Saturday.

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    Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)

    Week 16 opponent: vs. Las Vegas (6-8); Christmas (Monday), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

    Kansas City clinches playoff berth and AFC West division title with:

  • Chiefs win OR
  • Chiefs tie + Broncos loss
  • Miami Dolphins (10-4)

    Week 16 opponent: vs. Dallas (10-4); Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

    Miami clinches playoff berth with:

  • Dolphins win OR
  • Dolphins tie + Jaguars loss OR
  • Dolphins tie + Colts loss + Texans loss OR
  • Dolphins tie + Colts loss or tie + Browns loss OR
  • Dolphins tie + Texans loss or tie + Bengals loss or tie OR
  • Dolphins tie + Bengals loss or tie + Colts loss or tie
  • NFC

    Detroit Lions (10-4)

    Week 16 opponent: at Minnesota (7-7); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

    Detroit clinches NFC North division title with:

  • Lions win or tie
  • Detroit clinches playoff berth with:

  • Rams loss or tie OR
  • Seahawks loss or tie
  • San Francisco 49ers (11-3)

    Week 16 opponent: vs. Baltimore; Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

    San Francisco clinches NFC’s No. 1 seed, the lone first-round bye and home-field advantage with:

  • 49ers win + Eagles loss + Cowboys loss + Lions loss
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    (Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images)

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