NFL playoff picture: How the Seahawks can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16

Seahawks-Rams result: The Seahawks are officially headed to the playoffs. They stormed back from a 30-14 deficit to tie the game at 30 and force overtime. The Rams opened the extra frame with a touchdown, but the Rams responded with a touchdown and a stunning two-point conversion to secure the win and improve to 12-3. More important, they have moved into first place in the NFC West and taken over the No. 1 seed in the NFC standings. They cannot clinch the division or No. 1 seed for at least another week, but they control their destiny to secure home field advantage through the NFC playoffs.

One of the biggest games on the Week 16 slate kicks off the weekend, as the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks renew their NFC West rivalry.

Both teams enter the week with matching 11-3 records, but the Rams — who already clinched a playoff spot last week — currently hold a tiebreaker advantage over Seattle due to their win over the Seahawks earlier this season. That has the Rams atop both the division, and the NFC itself.

But here is how Seattle can join them in the playoffs this weekend.

Seattle has two pathways to clinching a playoff spot in Week 16.

The first comes on Thursday night. With a win or a tie against the Rams, Seattle is in the playoffs. That result would also propel the Seahawks to the top of both the NFC West, and the conference overall, putting Seattle into position for the bye during Wild Card Weekend.

However, even if the Seahawks lose on Thursday night, they can still clinch a playoff spot. If the Detroit Lions lose or tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon, then the Seahawks are guaranteed a playoff spot.

Here are the full NFC standings entering Week 16:

And here are the NFC West standings: