NFL playoff picture, scenarios: Patriots, Steelers, Vikings can clinch byes; Titans can make playoffs

The Steelers' loss to the Patriots on Sunday certainly damaged Pittsburgh's standing in the NFL playoff picture. But the good news for the Steelers is there are a couple of Week 16 scenarios in which they can clinch a first-round bye for the playoffs. New England can do that, too, but the Patriots also have a chance to clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.


The Eagles have a similar opportunity in the NFC, as there are three Week 16 scenarios in which Philadelphia can clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Vikings can clinch a first-round bye. The Rams, after demolishing the Seahawks in Week 15, can officially clinch the division Sunday.




The NFC South is a playoff picture worth watching on its own. All three contenders from the division have chances to clinch playoff berths in Week 16. Unlike the Panthers and Falcons, however, the Saints have a chance to win the division this week.


Here are the clinching scenarios for the NFL playoff picture in Week 16. Multiple teams can clinch home-field advantage, first-round byes, divisions and postseason berths.
NFL playoff picture, scenarios to clinch in Week 16

NFC

How Philadelphia Eagles can clinch in Week 16

Eagles clinch home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
— Eagles win OR
— Eagles tie AND Vikings loss or tie OR
— Vikings loss

How Minnesota Vikings can clinch in Week 16

Vikings clinch a first-round bye with:
— Vikings win AND Panthers loss or tie OR
— Vikings tie AND Panthers loss AND Saints loss or tie AND Rams loss or tie
How Los Angeles Rams can clinch in Week 16

Rams clinch NFC West division with:
— Rams win or tie OR
— Seahawks loss or tie
Rams clinch a playoff berth with:
— Lions loss or tie AND Panthers loss AND Falcons loss
How New Orleans Saints can clinch in Week 16

Saints clinch NFC South division with:
— Saints win AND Panthers loss
Saints clinch a playoff berth with:
— Saints win or tie OR
— Cowboys-Seahawks game ends in tie
How Carolina Panthers can clinch in Week 16

Panthers clinch a playoff berth with:
— Panthers win or tie OR
— Cowboys-Seahawks game ends in tie
How Atlanta Falcons can clinch in Week 16

Falcons clinch a playoff berth with:
— Falcons win OR
— Falcons tie AND Cowboys-Seahawks game ends in tie AND Lions loss or tie

AFC

How New England Patriots can clinch in Week 16

Patriots clinch home-field advantage throughout AFC playoffs with:
— Patriots win AND Steelers loss AND Jaguars loss or tie
Patriots clinch a first-round bye with:
— Patriots win AND Steelers loss OR
— Patriots win AND Jaguars loss or tie OR
— Patriots tie AND Jaguars loss
How Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch in Week 16

Steelers clinch a first-round bye with:
— Steelers win AND Jaguars loss or tie OR
— Steelers tie AND Jaguars loss


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How Jacksonville Jaguars can clinch in Week 16

Jaguars clinch AFC South division with:
— Jaguars win or tie OR
— Titans loss or tie
How Kansas City Chiefs can clinch in Week 16

Chiefs clinch AFC West division with:
— Chiefs win OR
— Chiefs tie AND Chargers loss or tie OR

— Chargers loss

How Tennessee Titans can clinch in Week 16

Titans clinch a playoff berth with:
— Titans win AND Ravens loss AND Bills loss