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How can Chiefs clinch a playoff berth in Week 13?

The Chiefs lost their undefeated record after an extended run, but they remain on track to punch their ticket in the postseason. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs in Week 13.

Spencer Shrader #40 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal to beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 at Bank of America Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Spencer Shrader #40 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal to beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 at Bank of America Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Thanksgiving is behind us and Black Friday has arrived. While most of America will be shopping for discount good, the Kansas City Chiefs are shopping for a playoff berth. At 10-1 heading into Week 13, the Chiefs are all but certain to reach the postseason. But on Friday, they can formally punch their ticket.

If the Chiefs beat the Las Vegas Raiders or even if they finish in a tie, they will officially clinch a playoff berth. They entered Week 13 needing some help from the Dolphins, Broncos, or Chargers. The Dolphins lost 30-17 to the Packers on Thanksgiving night, so that settled things pretty quickly.

The Chiefs host a Raiders squad that is spiraling thanks to a variety of issues. Gardner Minshew fractured his collarbone this past week and Aidan O’Connell moves back into the starting lineup with Desmond Ridder serving as his backup. Kansas City heads into Friday’s game as a 12.5-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook.

This game marks a mere formality in the Chiefs bid for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat. More important is the top seed. The Chiefs lost to the Bills in Week 11, but remain a game up in the race for the top seed. Kansas City will need to maintain that lead if they want to secure a bye and home field advantage through the AFC playoffs. The Bills host the 49ers on Sunday Night Football this week.

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