7. The Denver Broncos (9-6) secured a thrilling victory on Thursday night, putting them in a win-and-in scenario to clinch their first postseason appearance since their triumph in Super Bowl 50 nine years ago. However, their path to the playoffs has become more challenging as they now require the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals to all lose in order to secure a spot this weekend. Despite the uncertainty, a single additional win would guarantee the Broncos a place in the postseason. The stakes will be high when they face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. The Broncos’ remaining schedule includes a crucial game against the Bengals followed by a matchup with the Chiefs.
8. The Indianapolis Colts (6-8) find themselves still in the hunt following a tough loss to Denver in Week 15. With a challenging road ahead, including games against the Titans, Giants, and Jaguars, the Colts are facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot.
9. The Miami Dolphins (6-8) are also in the hunt for a playoff berth, despite a disappointing loss to Houston in Week 15. Their upcoming schedule features matchups against the 49ers, Browns, and Jets, offering them a chance to make a late-season push for the playoffs.
10. The Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) kept their postseason hopes alive with a crucial victory in Nashville. However, with stiff competition from the Dolphins and Colts, the Bengals will need to maintain their momentum in upcoming games against the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers.
NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 16:
– The Kansas City Chiefs can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win and a Buffalo loss or tie, or with a tie and a Buffalo loss.
– The Pittsburgh Steelers can secure the AFC North title with a win.
– The Baltimore Ravens will clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie, or with a Miami loss or tie combined with an Indianapolis loss or tie.
– The Denver Broncos can clinch a playoff berth with a Miami loss or tie, coupled with losses or ties by Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
– The Los Angeles Chargers will clinch a playoff spot with a Miami loss or tie and an Indianapolis loss or tie.
– The Philadelphia Eagles can secure the NFC East crown with a win or tie.
– The Green Bay Packers are poised to clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie.
– The Atlanta Falcons need a win or tie, combined with losses or ties by the LA Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, to secure a playoff spot.
– The Washington Football Team will clinch a playoff berth with a win and specific outcomes in games involving Atlanta, the LA Rams, and Seattle.
NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2024 include the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.
