NFL playoff scenarios: Patriots, Raiders among teams that can clinch in Week 15

Three teams had a chance to clinch postseason berths in Week 14, but tough matchups, disappointing losses, and wins by division rivals left the Dallas Cowboys as the only participants left in the pool for adult swim. The Patriots, Raiders, and Seahawks all fell short in their bids to make Week 17 a meaningless exhibition before the real season starts.

The Seahawks took advantage of their second chance and sewed up the NFC West with a win over the Rams in Week 15.

The Patriots and Raiders will get another shot this Sunday, along with a trio of other teams. The Chiefs, Giants, and Lions each had big wins last week, leading to clinching scenarios this weekend. Here’s the lineup of who can punch their playoff tickets in Week 15.

Clinch the AFC East title AND a first-round bye with a win/tie over the Broncos, who are just 4-5 in their last nine games

Clinch a playoff berth with a win over the San Diego Chargers, who have won just two of their last six games OR
a tie AND a Broncos loss

Clinch a playoff berth with a win over the surging Titans, who need a win to keep pace in the AFC South, OR
a tie and a Broncos loss/tie OR
if the Broncos lose AND the Ravens lose/tie OR
if the Broncos lose AND the Steelers lose/tie.

Clinch the NFC East title AND and first-round bye with a win/tie against the Buccaneers, who may be the hottest team in the NFL after turning a 3-5 start into a spot atop the NFC South, AND a Giants loss.

Clinch home-field advantage with a win over the Buccaneers AND a Giants-Lions tie.

Clinch the NFC North title with a win over the Giants, who just ended Dallas’s 11-game winning streak AND a Packers tie/loss, OR
a tie against the Giants AND a Packers loss AND a Vikings loss.

Clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Lions, who are fighting to win the NFC North for the first time since 1993, AND a Washington loss AND losses or ties from both the Packers and Vikings.