The Steelers' loss to the Patriots last week 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.
MORE: Full NFL playoff picture
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
Cliched:
Eagles — NFC East and first-round bye
Vikings — NFC North
How Philadelphia Eagles can clinch in Week 16
Eagles clinch home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
— Eagles win OR
— Vikings loss OR
— Eagles tie AND Vikings tie
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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
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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
MORE: Full NFC playoff picture
AFC
Clinched:
Steelers — AFC North
Patriots — AFC East
Jaguars — playoff berth
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
— Chargers loss OR
— Chiefs tie AND Chargers tie
How Tennessee Titans can clinch in Week 16
Titans clinch a playoff berth with:
— Titans win AND Ravens loss AND Bills loss
(UPDATE: Baltimore's win Saturday means Tennessee can't clinch a playoff berth in Week 16.)
MORE: Full AFC playoff picture
(Clinching scenarios via NFL communications)
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