Ravens, Patriots lead playoff clinching scenarios for Week 16

The NFL heads into Week 16 with the always unique penultimate week schedule on tap. There is no more Thursday Night Football, and instead we get a three-game slate on Saturday before the main course on Sunday. Saturday features three big games, with the Texans traveling to Tampa Bay, the Patriots hosting the Bills, and the 49ers hosting the Rams. All three games will impact the playoff race.

As Week 16 dawns, we have three teams with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. Additionally, the Ravens can lock up home field advantage with a win and the Patriots can secure a first round bye with a win and Chiefs loss. One interesting note on the clinching scenarios: The 49ers and Seahawks secured playoff berths last week, but can’t secure anything else until they square off in Week 17. The winner of that game will win the NFC West and if both win this week, will get a first round bye.

Here is the full list of clinching scenarios for Week 16, courtesy of media executive Joe Ferreira. The NFL will confirm the full rundown of scenarios later in the day on Tuesday.

Green Bay Packers

Clinches playoff berth:

1. GB win or tie

Dallas Cowboys

Clinches playoff berth:

1. DAL win

Minnesota Vikings

Clinches playoff berth:

1. MIN win or tie
2. LAR loss or tie

Baltimore Ravens

Clinches first round bye:

1. BAL tie
2. KC loss or tie
3. NE loss

Clinches home field throughout playoffs:

1. BAL win
2. NE loss
3. KC loss or tie

New England Patriots

Clinches division title:

1. NE win or tie

Clinches first round bye:

1. NE win + KC loss or tie
2. NE tie + KC loss

Houston Texans

Clinches playoff berth:

1. HOU tie + PIT tie
2. PIT loss

Clinches division title:

1. HOU win
2. HOU tie + TEN loss or tie
3. TEN loss