Two NFL teams had a chance to clinch a playoff berth in Week 13, but neither was able to do it. However, those two teams will still have a chance to clinch postseason advancement in Week 14, as will a third team.
The Eagles and the Vikings are the two teams that are getting a second crack at wrapping up their playoff berths as the season enters its final five-week stretch. Both need only to win to guarantee a playoff spot, though Minnesota would clinch the division with a win while Philadelphia is not yet positioned to do that.
On the AFC side of the bracket, the Chiefs are the first team that will have a chance to clinch in their Week 14 game against the Broncos. Despite losing to the Bengals last week, Kansas City is positioned to seal the AFC West title if things break right. The Chiefs need some help from the Chargers, who they have already beaten twice in 2022, and if it clinches the division, Kansas City will be guaranteed a top-four seed.
It seems highly likely that each of these three teams will be playing in the postseason regardless of what happens this week. Still, all three would probably like to guarantee that right as soon as possible, so each will have a bit of extra motivation to earn a victory this week.
NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where Chiefs, Eagles, Vikings rank among NFL's best
Below is a look at the NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 14, as the Chiefs, Eagles and Vikings look to become the first into the NFL's postseason field of 14 teams.
NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 14
Philadelphia Eagles (11-1)
Remaining games: at Giants, at Bears, at Cowboys, vs. Saints, vs. Giants
Philadelphia clinches playoff berth with:
- Eagles win OR tie
- 49ers loss AND Seahawks loss
Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Remaining games: at Lions, vs. Colts, vs. Giants, at Packers, at Bears
Minnesota clinches NFC North division title with:
- Vikings win or tie
Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)
Remaining games: at Broncos, at Texans, vs. Seahawks, vs. Broncos, at Raiders
Minnesota clinches AFC West division title with:
- Chiefs win AND Chargers loss
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NFL playoff picture 2022
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AFC
Rank | Team | Record | Clinched |
1 | Bills | 9-3 | N/A |
2 | Chiefs | 9-3 | N/A |
3 | Ravens | 8-4 | N/A |
4 | Titans | 7-5 | N/A |
5 | Bengals | 8-4 | N/A |
6 | Dolphins | 8-4 | N/A |
7 | Jets | 7-5 | N/A |
In the hunt: Patriots (6-6), Chargers (6-6), Raiders (5-8), Browns (5-7), Steelers (5-7)
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NFC
Rank | Team | Record | Clinched |
1 | Eagles | 11-1 | N/A |
2 | Vikings | 10-2 | N/A |
3 | 49ers | 8-4 | N/A |
4 | Buccaneers | 6-6 | N/A |
5 | Cowboys | 9-3 | N/A |
6 | Giants | 7-4-1 | N/A |
7 | Seahawks | 7-5 | N/A |
In the hunt: Commanders (7-5-1), Lions (5-7), Falcons (5-8), Packers (5-8), Cardinals (4-8), Panthers (4-8), Saints (4-9)