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2023 NFL playoff clinching scenarios heading into Week 16 (2023). Which teams can secure a spot to the postseason this week?
After another eventful week in the NFL, we are just three weeks away from the start of the playoffs. The playoff picture is finally starting to take shape, and we are gaining insight into where each team will stand in the postseason.
In the AFC, the competition is fierce, with seven teams that are not leading their division boasting a .500 record or better. This includes five teams in the conference with an 8-6 record. The Browns, led by Joe Flacco, have distinguished themselves from the rest of the wildcard race with another remarkable win, and they are navigating some intriguing paths to securing a playoff berth.
On the NFC side, the Lions are aiming to join the other conference heavyweights by securing a playoff spot or even a divisional title this week. The 49ers also have an outside chance to wrap up the top seed in the conference. What are the playoff-clinching scenarios heading into Week 16? Let's take a closer look.
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AFC Playoff Clinching Scenarios
Baltimore Ravens (11-3) at San Francisco (11-3)
Baltimore clinches AFC North division title with:
1). BAL win + CLE loss or tie
2). BAL tie + CLE loss
Cleveland Browns (9-5) at Houston (8-6)
Cleveland clinches playoff berth with:
1). CLE win + CIN loss + DEN loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + IND loss or tie
2). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + DEN loss or tie
3). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + JAX loss + IND win
4). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + JAX loss + IND win
5). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + KC win + IND win + JAX loss
6). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + IND loss
7). CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + JAX loss
8). CLE win + CIN-PIT tie + BUF loss + IND win + JAX loss
Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) vs. Las Vegas (6-8)
Kansas City clinches AFC West division title with:
1). KC win
2). KC tie + DEN loss
Miami Dolphins (10-4) vs. Dallas (10-4)
Miami clinches AFC East division title with:
1). MIA win + BUF loss or tie
2). MIA tie + BUF loss
Miami clinches playoff berth with:
1). MIA win
2). MIA tie + JAX loss
3). MIA tie + IND loss + HOU loss
4). MIA tie + IND loss or tie + CLE loss
5). MIA tie + HOU loss or tie + CIN loss or tie
6). MIA tie + CIN loss or tie + IND loss or tie
NFC Playoff Clinching Scenarios
CLINCHED:
1). San Francisco 49ers (11-3): NFC West division title
2). Dallas Cowboys (10-4): playoff berth
3). Philadelphia Eagles (10-4): playoff berth
Detroit Lions (10-4) at Minnesota (7-7)
Detroit clinches NFC North division title with:
1). DET win or tie
Detroit clinches playoff berth with:
1). LAR loss or tie
2). SEA loss or tie
San Francisco 49ers (11-3) vs. Baltimore (11-3)
San Francisco clinches NFC No. 1 seed with:
1). SF win + PHI loss + DAL loss + DET loss
Eliminated Teams from NFL Playoffs
- Arizona Cardinals
- Carolina Panthers
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Commanders
NFL Playoffs Tiebreaking Procedures
- Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
- Strength of victory in all games.
- Strength of schedule in all games
- Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
- Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
- Best net points in common games.
- Best net points in all games.
- Best net touchdowns in all games.
- Coin toss
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