NFL Playoff Picture: Jets Clinch Playoff Berth Despite Loss, Patriots Secure Home Field Advantage

Today's early games produced a few results of significance to the NFL playoff picture, but only the Jets managed to clinch a playoff berth.

Despite falling to the Bears 38-34 in Chicago, the Jets wrapped up a wild card berth in the NFL playoffs after the Jaguars lost to the Redskins 20-17 in overtime.

The Jets were eliminated from contention in the AFC East mere minutes before their game ended. The Patriots clinched that division and home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs by routing the Bills 34-3.

The Colts also got a late Christmas present from the Redskins: with the Jaguars' loss to Washington, the Colts can clinch the AFC South and the resulting playoff spot with a win over Oakland today, a win in Week 17, or a Jaguars loss in Week 17.

The Bears were the only major NFC contender in action early, but their win locked up nothing. They remained in position to earn a first-round bye with a win next week against Green Bay, but could have problems with the Packers and would be passed for the second seed with a loss in Week 17 if the Eagles win out.

And in the NFC West, the NFL's forgotten child, the Rams beat the 49ers and stayed on pace to win the division by winning out. If they do, the Rams would be an 8-8 team hosting a team with a better record in the first round of the playoffs.