- Trump, Biden could clinch 2024 nomination after today’s Republican and Democratic primaries in Washington, Georgia, Mississippi CBS News
- Locking it up: Trump, Biden, expected to clinch GOP, Democrat presidential nominations in Tuesday’s primaries Fox News
- Election 2024 live updates: Trump, Biden could clinch nominations in today’s primaries The Washington Post
- Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Super Tuesday Speech The New York Times
- Biden and Trump could clinch nominations in Tuesday’s contests, ushering in general election The Associated Press
Tag Archives: clinch
MLB Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies clinch playoff berth with win over Pittsburgh Pirates – WPVI-TV
- MLB Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies clinch playoff berth with win over Pittsburgh Pirates WPVI-TV
- Phillies’ playoff-clinching scenarios going into Tuesday’s game The Philadelphia Inquirer
- 2023 National League playoff odds: Phillies poised to clinch postseason spot Tuesday, Diamondbacks and Cubs favored for final two Wild Card berths sportsline.com
- Which team is the Phillies’ ideal Wild Card opponent? PhillyVoice.com
- Philadelphia Phillies can clinch playoff berth Tuesday night. Here’s the Wild Card series schedule WPVI-TV
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday look to lead Bucks past Celtics and reduce magic number to clinch top seed in Eastern Conference, game updates – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday look to lead Bucks past Celtics and reduce magic number to clinch top seed in Eastern Conference, game updates Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, Game Pick, and Latest Odds OddsChecker
- NBA Odds, Best Bets: Expert Picks for Celtics-Bucks, Pelicans-Nuggets The Action Network
- Should The Boston Celtics Sign This 4x NBA All-Star? Sports Illustrated
- Celtics Taking On The Milwaukee Bucks // Jakobi Meyers Wanted To Stay // Bruce Arena Joins The Show – 3/30 (Hour 3) 98.5 The Sports Hub
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon credits Andy Reid, staff in late slide to clinch Super Bowl LVII win over Eagles – NFL.com
- Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon credits Andy Reid, staff in late slide to clinch Super Bowl LVII win over Eagles NFL.com
- Chiefs’ Jerick McKinnon says ‘wasn’t a hesitation’ to score instead of sliding down in Super Bowl WDAF FOX4 Kansas City
- Character Counts at the Super Bowl – WSJ The Wall Street Journal
- Steve Spagnuolo had mixed feelings about Jerick McKinnon not scoring late in Super Bowl Yahoo Sports
- Chiefs’ Jerick McKinnon says ‘wasn’t a hesitation’ to score instead of sliding down in Super Bowl KSN-TV
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Mathieu van der Poel sprints past Wout van Aert to clinch fifth Cyclocross World Championships crown – Cyclingnews
- Mathieu van der Poel sprints past Wout van Aert to clinch fifth Cyclocross World Championships crown Cyclingnews
- Women Elite – Rough Cut | Behind the scenes at the 2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships UCI
- Wout van Aert dejected after being put ‘in the hurt box’ in world title clash with Mathieu van der Poel VeloNews
- A duel for the ages! | 2023 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship | Men’s Elite – Highlights |Eurosport Eurosport
- Cyclocross Worlds conquered, Mathieu van der Poel ‘starts again from zero’ at Strade Bianche Cyclingnews
- View Full Coverage on Google News
NFL 2022 playoff picture, standings: Chargers clinch berth by beating Colts, Packers still alive for wild card
The NFL playoff races are going down to the wire as we work through the Week 16 slate. The race for home-field advantage will be a good one between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, with the Cincinnati Bengals having an outside shot heading into next week’s showdown with the Bills.
The Baltimore Ravens are back in the playoffs after their win Saturday — holding serve with the Bengals in the race for the AFC North — while the Los Angeles Chargers will also be in the postseason after handling the Colts on Monday night. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the AFC South lead with two games to play — thanks to the Tennessee Titans continuing their free fall.
The NFC wild card race seems to be coming down to the wire as all of the teams vying for the two spots lost on Saturday, opening the door for the Packers. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders currently hold the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds in the playoff race.
Two weeks remain until the playoffs. Below, you can find a division-by-division breakdown of the current standings and what each contender is facing on their schedule the rest of the way.
AFC East
y-clinched division title
Buffalo Bills
What to know: The Bills locked up the AFC East title with Saturday’s win over the Bears, and still hold the No. 1 seed in the conference with the head-to-head tiebreaker on the Chiefs. They clinch the No. 1 seed with a win and Chiefs loss next week.
Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Patriots
Miami Dolphins
What to know: Miami is the No. 7 seed in the AFC and holds a one-game lead over New York, New England and Pittsburgh for the final playoff spot in the conference.
Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Jets
New England Patriots
What to know: The Patriots’ playoff chances are dimming with their loss to the Bengals. They are one of four teams tied at 7-8, but hold the conference-record tiebreaker over the Titans and Steelers. They hold the division tiebreaker by sweeping the Jets.
Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins, at Bills
New York Jets
What to know: The Jets are the No. 9 seed in the playoffs, losing the division-record tiebreaker to the Patriots. They hold the better win percentage in common games against the Titans and a conference-record tiebreaker over the Steelers.
Remaining schedule: at Seahawks, at Dolphins
AFC North
|
x-Bengals |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
85 |
|
x-Ravens |
10 |
5 |
0 |
.667 |
49 |
|
Steelers |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.466 |
-55 |
|
e-Browns |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-20 |
x- clinched playoff spot
e- eliminated from playoffs
Cincinnati Bengals
What to know: The Bengals hold on to their AFC North lead with a win over the Patriots. Cincinnati is the No. 3 seed in the conference, needing a win over Buffalo to have a shot at home-field advantage.
Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, vs. Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
What to know: The Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Falcons on Saturday and currently are the No. 5 seed in the AFC standings. Baltimore has the head-to-head tiebreaker over Cincinnati.
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers
What to know: The Steelers keep their playoff hopes alive with their win over the Raiders. Pittsburgh is the No. 11 seed in the AFC, losing the conference-record tiebreaker to the Patriots, Jets, and Titans.
Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Browns
Cleveland Browns
What to know: The Browns have been eliminated from the playoffs with their loss to the Saints.
Remaining schedule: at Commanders, at Steelers
AFC South
|
Jaguars |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
+22 |
|
Titans |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-43 |
|
e-Colts |
4 |
10 |
1 |
.321 |
-109 |
|
e- Texans |
2 |
12 |
1 |
.167 |
-104 |
e – eliminated from playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars
What to know: The Jaguars take over first place in the AFC South with their win over the Jets and the Titans’ loss to the Texans. Regardless of their Week 17 result, Jacksonville will play for the division title in Week 18 when they play host to the Titans.
Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Titans
Tennessee Titans
What to know: The Titans fell out of the No. 7 seed and into the No. 10 seed in the AFC with their loss to the Texans. Tennessee loses a conference-record tiebreaker to the Patriots, and a common-record tiebreaker to the Jets. They win the conference-record tiebreaker over the Steelers.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
What to know: The Colts are eliminated from the playoffs and lost to the Chargers on Monday night.
Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Texans
Houston Texans
What to know: The Texans are eliminated from playoff contention and have the worst record in the NFL. They beat the Titans for their second win of the year.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Colts
AFC West
y- clinched division title
e – eliminated from playoffs
Kansas City Chiefs
What to know: The Chiefs are still the No. 2 seed in the AFC as the Bills own the head-to-head tiebreaker for the top spot in the conference. They’ll get the top seed if they finish 2-0 and the Bills finish 1-1.
Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos, at Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
What to know: The Chargers clinched a postseason berth with their win over Indianapolis on Monday. They’re in sole possession of the No. 6 seed in the AFC.
Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, at Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders
What to know: The Raiders are still mathematically alive in the AFC playoff race after their loss to the Steelers. Las Vegas is the No. 12 seed in the AFC, two games out of the final playoff spot.
Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Chiefs
Denver Broncos
What to know: The Broncos have been eliminated from the playoffs and were blown out by the Rams on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
NFC East
|
x- Eagles |
13 |
2 |
0 |
.867 |
137 |
|
x- Cowboys |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
131 |
|
Giants |
8 |
6 |
1 |
.567 |
-28 |
|
Commanders |
7 |
7 |
1 |
.500 |
-28 |
x- clinched playoff spot
Philadelphia Eagles
What to know: The Eagles still control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, just needing a win in their final two games. A win (or a Cowboys loss) wraps up the NFC East and home-field advantage (or a Vikings loss).
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, vs. Giants
Dallas Cowboys
What to know: The Cowboys kept their slim NFC East hopes alive with Saturday’s win over the Eagles. Dallas needs to win out and Philadelphia to lose out to win the diviison.
Remaining schedule: at Titans, at Commanders
New York Giants
What to know: The Giants retain the No. 6 seed in the NFC with all the wild card contenders battling for a playoff spot losing Saturday. New York clinches a playoff spot with a win next week.
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Eagles
Washington Commanders
What to know: The Commanders stay as the No. 7 seed in the NFC thanks to the Seahawks and Lions losing. They remain a half game up on both for the final playoff spot in the conference.
Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Cowboys
NFC North
|
y-Vikings |
12 |
3 |
0 |
.800 |
+5 |
|
Lions |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-9 |
|
Packers |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-21 |
|
e-Bears |
3 |
12 |
0 |
.200 |
-90 |
y-clinched division title
e – eliminated from playoffs
Minnesota Vikings
What to know: The Vikings move a game behind the Eagles for the No. 1 seed in the NFC with their win and Philadelphia losing. Minnesota needs to win out and Philadelphia to lose out to get home-field advantage since the Eagles hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Remaining schedule: at Packers, at Bears
Detroit Lions
What to know: The Lions remain the No. 9 seed in the NFC after losing to the Panthers, a half game behind the Commanders for the final playoff spot. Seattle holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit.
Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Packers
Green Bay Packers
What to know: The streaking Packers are the No. 10 seed in the NFC and very much alive in the playoff race thanks to their win over the Dolphins on Sunday. They are currently one game behind the Commanders for the final playoff spot. If the Packers win out and the Commanders lose once, Green Bay will earn a postseason berth.
Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, vs. Lions
Chicago Bears
What to know: The Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention. They have the worst record in the NFC.
Remaining schedule: at Lions, vs. Vikings
NFC South
|
Buccaneers |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-38 |
|
Panthers |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-24 |
|
Saints |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-22 |
|
e-Falcons |
5 |
10 |
0 |
.333 |
-35 |
e – eliminated from playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What to know: The Buccaneers lead the NFC South by one game after their OT win over Arizona on Sunday. They can wrap up the division next week with a victory over Carolina.
Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, at Falcons
Carolina Panthers
What to know: The Panthers need to beat the Buccaneers next week to stay alive in the NFC South race. Carolina holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Tampa Bay and would hold a three-way tiebreaker based on being unbeaten against the Buccaneers and Saints.
Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, at Saints
New Orleans Saints
What to know: The Saints lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Panthers and were swept by the Buccaneers, even though they are also one game out of the division lead.
Remaining schedule: at Eagles, vs. Panthers
Atlanta Falcons
What to know: The Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Ravens.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Buccaneers
NFC West
|
y-49ers |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
145 |
|
Seahawks |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-14 |
|
e-Rams |
5 |
10 |
0 |
.333 |
-53 |
|
e-Cardinals |
4 |
11 |
0 |
.267 |
-83 |
y-clinched division title
e- eliminated from playoffs
San Francisco 49ers
What to know: The 49ers are still the No. 3 seed in the NFC with their win over the Commanders, and will be at least the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. They are still alive in the race for home field, but need the Eagles to lose out and the Vikings to lose once to have a shot at that.
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
What to know: The Seahawks are still a half game out of the final wild card spot after their loss to the Chiefs. Seattle holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit for the No. 8 seed, trailing Washington by a half game for the No. 7 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, vs. Rams
Arizona Cardinals
What to know: The Cardinals are eliminated from the playoffs.
Remaining schedule: at Falcons, at 49ers
Los Angeles Rams
What to know: The Rams are eliminated from the playoffs after Monday’s loss to the Packers. They crushed the Broncos on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Chargers, at Seahawks
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NFL 2022 playoff picture, standings: Chargers can clinch berth on Monday, Packers remain alive for wild card
The NFL playoff races are going down to the wire after as we work through the Week 16 slate. The race for home-field advantage will be a good one between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, with the Cincinnati Bengals having an outside shot heading into next week’s showdown with the Bills.
The Baltimore Ravens are back in the playoffs after their win Saturday, holding serve with the Bengals in the race for the AFC North. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the AFC South lead with two games to play — thanks to the Tennessee Titans continuing their free fall. And the Chargers will earn a spot with a victory over the Colts on Monday night.
The NFC wild card race seems to be coming down to the wire as all of the teams vying for the two spots lost on Saturday, opening the door for the Packers. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders currently hold the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds in the playoff race.
Two weeks remain until the playoffs. Below, you can find a division-by-division breakdown of the current standings and what each contender is facing on their schedule the rest of the way.
AFC East
y-clinched division title
Buffalo Bills
What to know: The Bills locked up the AFC East title with Saturday’s win over the Bears, and still hold the No. 1 seed in the conference with the head-to-head tiebreaker on the Chiefs. They clinch the No. 1 seed with a win and Chiefs loss next week.
Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Patriots
Miami Dolphins
What to know: Miami is the No. 7 seed in the AFC and holds a one-game lead over New York, New England and Pittsburgh for the final playoff spot in the conference.
Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Jets
New England Patriots
What to know: The Patriots’ playoff chances are dimming with their loss to the Bengals. They are one of four teams tied at 7-8, but hold the conference-record tiebreaker over the Titans and Steelers. They hold the division tiebreaker by sweeping the Jets.
Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins, at Bills
New York Jets
What to know: The Jets are the No. 9 seed in the playoffs, losing the division-record tiebreaker to the Patriots. They hold the better win percentage in common games against the Titans and a conference-record tiebreaker over the Steelers.
Remaining schedule: at Seahawks, at Dolphins
AFC North
|
x-Bengals |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
85 |
|
x-Ravens |
10 |
5 |
0 |
.667 |
49 |
|
Steelers |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.466 |
-55 |
|
e-Browns |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-20 |
x- clinched playoff spot
e- eliminated from playoffs
Cincinnati Bengals
What to know: The Bengals hold on to their AFC North lead with a win over the Patriots. Cincinnati is the No. 3 seed in the conference, needing a win over Buffalo to have a shot at home-field advantage.
Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, vs. Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
What to know: The Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Falcons on Saturday and currently are the No. 5 seed in the AFC standings. Baltimore has the head-to-head tiebreaker over Cincinnati.
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers
What to know: The Steelers keep their playoff hopes alive with their win over the Raiders. Pittsburgh is the No. 11 seed in the AFC, losing the conference-record tiebreaker to the Patriots, Jets, and Titans.
Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Browns
Cleveland Browns
What to know: The Browns have been eliminated from the playoffs with their loss to the Saints.
Remaining schedule: at Commanders, at Steelers
AFC South
|
Jaguars |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
+22 |
|
Titans |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-43 |
|
e-Colts |
4 |
9 |
1 |
.321 |
-92 |
|
e- Texans |
2 |
12 |
1 |
.167 |
-104 |
e – eliminated from playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars
What to know: The Jaguars take over first place in the AFC South with their win over the Jets and the Titans’ loss to the Texans. Regardless of their Week 17 result, Jacksonville will play for the division title in Week 18 when they play host to the Titans.
Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Titans
Tennessee Titans
What to know: The Titans fell out of the No. 7 seed and into the No. 10 seed in the AFC with their loss to the Texans. Tennessee loses a conference-record tiebreaker to the Patriots, and a common-record tiebreaker to the Jets. They win the conference-record tiebreaker over the Steelers.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
What to know: The Colts are eliminated from the playoffs and play the Chargers on Monday.
Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Giants, vs. Texans
Houston Texans
What to know: The Texans are eliminated from playoff contention and have the worst record in the NFL. They beat the Titans for their second win of the year.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Colts
AFC West
y- clinched division title
e – eliminated from playoffs
Kansas City Chiefs
What to know: The Chiefs are still the No. 2 seed in the AFC as the Bills own the head-to-head tiebreaker for the top spot in the conference. They’ll get the top seed if they finish 2-0 and the Bills finish 1-1.
Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos, at Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
What to know: The Chargers are the No. 6 seed in the AFC and own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Miami, which is currently the No. 7 seed. Los Angeles can clinch a postseason berth with a win over Indianapolis on Monday.
Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Rams, at Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders
What to know: The Raiders are still mathematically alive in the AFC playoff race after their loss to the Steelers. Las Vegas is the No. 12 seed in the AFC, two games out of the final playoff spot.
Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Chiefs
Denver Broncos
What to know: The Broncos have been eliminated from the playoffs and were blown out by the Rams on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
NFC East
|
x- Eagles |
13 |
2 |
0 |
.867 |
137 |
|
x- Cowboys |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
131 |
|
Giants |
8 |
6 |
1 |
.567 |
-28 |
|
Commanders |
7 |
7 |
1 |
.500 |
-28 |
x- clinched playoff spot
Philadelphia Eagles
What to know: The Eagles still control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, just needing a win in their final two games. A win (or a Cowboys loss) wraps up the NFC East and home-field advantage (or a Vikings loss).
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, vs. Giants
Dallas Cowboys
What to know: The Cowboys kept their slim NFC East hopes alive with Saturday’s win over the Eagles. Dallas needs to win out and Philadelphia to lose out to win the diviison.
Remaining schedule: at Titans, at Commanders
New York Giants
What to know: The Giants retain the No. 6 seed in the NFC with all the wild card contenders battling for a playoff spot losing Saturday. New York clinches a playoff spot with a win next week.
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Eagles
Washington Commanders
What to know: The Commanders stay as the No. 7 seed in the NFC thanks to the Seahawks and Lions losing. They remain a half game up on both for the final playoff spot in the conference.
Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Cowboys
NFC North
|
y-Vikings |
12 |
3 |
0 |
.800 |
+5 |
|
Lions |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-9 |
|
Packers |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-21 |
|
e-Bears |
3 |
12 |
0 |
.200 |
-90 |
y-clinched division title
e – eliminated from playoffs
Minnesota Vikings
What to know: The Vikings move a game behind the Eagles for the No. 1 seed in the NFC with their win and Philadelphia losing. Minnesota needs to win out and Philadelphia to lose out to get home-field advantage since the Eagles hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Remaining schedule: at Packers, at Bears
Detroit Lions
What to know: The Lions remain the No. 9 seed in the NFC after losing to the Panthers, a half game behind the Commanders for the final playoff spot. Seattle holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit.
Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Packers
Green Bay Packers
What to know: The streaking Packers are the No. 10 seed in the NFC and very much alive in the playoff race thanks to their win over the Dolphins on Sunday. They are currently one game behind the Commanders for the final playoff spot. If the Packers win out and the Commanders lose once, Green Bay will earn a postseason berth.
Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, vs. Lions
Chicago Bears
What to know: The Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention. They have the worst record in the NFC.
Remaining schedule: at Lions, vs. Vikings
NFC South
|
Buccaneers |
6 |
8 |
0 |
.429 |
-41 |
|
Panthers |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-24 |
|
Saints |
6 |
9 |
0 |
.400 |
-22 |
|
e-Falcons |
5 |
10 |
0 |
.333 |
-35 |
e – eliminated from playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What to know: The Buccaneers still lead the NFC South by a half game, but lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Panthers. Tampa Bay has also swept New Orleans, who is also a half game back. The Buccaneers play Sunday at Arizona.
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals, vs. Panthers, at Falcons
Carolina Panthers
What to know: The Panthers need a Buccaneers loss to take over first place in the NFC South with two games to play. Carolina holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Tampa Bay and would hold a three-way tiebreaker based on being unbeaten against the Buccaneers and Saints.
Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, at Saints
New Orleans Saints
What to know: The Saints lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Panthers and were swept by the Buccaneers, even though they are a half game out of the division lead. They would lose the three-way tiebreaker among the clubs should Tampa Bay lose Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Eagles, vs. Panthers
Atlanta Falcons
What to know: The Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Ravens.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Buccaneers
NFC West
|
y-49ers |
11 |
4 |
0 |
.733 |
145 |
|
Seahawks |
7 |
8 |
0 |
.467 |
-14 |
|
e-Rams |
5 |
10 |
0 |
.333 |
-53 |
|
e-Cardinals |
4 |
10 |
0 |
.286 |
-80 |
y-clinched division title
e- eliminated from playoffs
San Francisco 49ers
What to know: The 49ers are still the No. 3 seed in the NFC with their win over the Commanders, and will be at least the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. They are still alive in the race for home field, but need the Eagles to lose out and the Vikings to lose once to have a shot at that.
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
What to know: The Seahawks are still a half game out of the final wild card spot after their loss to the Chiefs. Seattle holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit for the No. 8 seed, trailing Washington by a half game for the No. 7 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, vs. Rams
Arizona Cardinals
What to know: The Cardinals are eliminated from the playoffs. They host the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Falcons, at 49ers
Los Angeles Rams
What to know: The Rams are eliminated from the playoffs after Monday’s loss to the Packers. They crushed the Broncos on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Chargers, at Seahawks
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NFL playoff picture at Week 16: Bengals clinch, Jaguars now AFC South favorites
Half of the 14 playoff spots are clinched after the first game of Week 16. Here’s where the NFL playoff picture stands following the Jaguars’ 19-3 win over the Jets on Thursday night. Listed odds to make the playoffs, secure the No. 1 seed and win the Super Bowl are all via The Athletic’s NFL betting model, created by Austin Mock. The projected playoff chances have been adjusted to account for possible Week 18 rest scenarios and injuries to quarterbacks Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Ryan Tannehill.
AFC Playoff Picture
| Seed | Team | Record | Week 16 result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
x-1 |
11-3 |
at CHI |
|
|
y-2 |
11-3 |
vs. SEA |
|
|
x-3 |
10-4 |
at NE |
|
|
4 |
7-7 |
vs. HOU |
|
|
5 |
9-5 |
vs. ATL |
|
|
6 |
8-6 |
at IND |
|
|
7 |
8-6 |
vs. GB |
x — Clinched playoff berth | y — Clinched division title
Buffalo Bills
Up three games in the AFC East standings, the Bills can clinch their third straight division title with a win or tie against the Bears on Saturday or a Dolphins loss or tie against the Packers on Sunday.
Remaining schedule: at Bears, at Bengals, vs. Patriots
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 60.1 percent | To win Super Bowl: 14.2 percent
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs clinched their seventh straight AFC West title in Week 15, so the chase for the No. 1 seed is all that’s left for them. After losing head-to-head matchups against both the Bills and Bengals, the Chiefs will need to finish with a better record than both those teams in order to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the conference championship round.
Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, vs. Broncos, at Raiders
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 36.2 percent | To win Super Bowl: 12.8 percent
GO DEEPER
MVP odds: Hurts’ injury opens door for Mahomes, more
Cincinnati Bengals
The Jets’ loss to the Jaguars on Thursday clinched a playoff berth for the Bengals. Cincinnati last made consecutive playoff appearances during its five-year run from 2011-2015. Our model gives the Bengals a 68.5 percent chance to win the AFC North.
Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Bills, vs. Ravens
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 3.7 percent | To win Super Bowl: 6.3 percent
Tennessee Titans
The Jaguars’ win on Thursday night puts more pressure on the Titans, who have lost four straight, will “most likely” be without Ryan Tannehill for the rest of the season and now hold just a half-game lead in the AFC South standings ahead of Tennessee’s Week 16 game against the Texans.
The Jaguars won the first head-to-head meeting with the Titans. The second head-to-head — in Jacksonville in Week 18 — is setting up to be a winner-take-all matchup so long as the Jaguars post an identical or better record than the Titans over the next two weeks.
If the Titans enter Week 18 a game ahead of the Jaguars, a Jacksonville win in the regular season finale would even the two teams’ overall records and give the Jaguars the head-to-head tiebreaker.
If the Jaguars enter Week 18 a game ahead of the Titans, a Tennessee win would give the Titans the division based on a superior divisional record, as both teams would enter their regular-season finale 3-2 against the AFC South in this scenario. Like the Titans, the Jaguars have one more game against the Texans on their schedule.
Our model gives Tennessee a 46.3 percent chance of winning the AFC South for the third year in a row.
Remaining schedule: vs. Texans, vs. Cowboys, at Jaguars
Odds: To make playoffs: 47.7 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.6 percent
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens can clinch a playoff berth this weekend with any of five scenarios that involve wins or ties by them and wins, losses or ties by as many as seven other teams. There is even a scenario that gets Baltimore in regardless of its result if the Patriots lose, the Browns, Raiders and Titans lose or tie, and the Chargers win.
But as The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec writes, it’ll be difficult to consider the Ravens a serious contender come playoff time without a version of Lamar Jackson who can put this team on his back. The quarterback will miss his third straight game with a knee injury.
Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, vs. Steelers, at Bengals
Odds: To make playoffs: 96.7 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 3.5 percent
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers clinch a playoff berth with a win at Indianapolis on Monday and a combination of losses or ties by the Raiders, Patriots, Jets and/or Dolphins. According to our model, they face the seventh-easiest remaining schedule, starting with a trip to Indianapolis to face a Colts team that will start quarterback Nick Foles for the first time this weekend.
The Chargers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Dolphins and have a better conference record (6-4) than a couple of seven-win teams: the Patriots (5-4) and the Jets (5-6). The Jaguars are also 6-4 against the AFC following their Thursday night win.
Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Rams, at Broncos
Odds: To make playoffs: 85.8 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 3.7 percent
Miami Dolphins
Losers of three straight, the Dolphins can’t clinch a playoff berth this weekend. Their upcoming games against the Patriots and Jets are potentially high-leverage, given both teams currently sit close behind them in the standings.
Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at Patriots, vs. Jets
Odds: To make playoffs: 82.5 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 4.2 percent
In the hunt
- Patriots (7-7) | Odds to make playoffs: 23.0 percent
- Jets (7-8) | 5.4 percent
- Jaguars (7-8) | 54.9 percent
- Browns (6-8) | < 1.0 percent
- Steelers (6-8) | < 1.0 percent
- Raiders (6-8) | 3.0 percent
Eliminated
- Broncos (4-10)
- Colts (4-9-1)
- Texans (1-12-1)
NFC Playoff Picture
| Seed | Team | Record | Week 16 result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
x-1 |
13-1 |
at DAL |
|
|
y-2 |
11-3 |
vs. NYG |
|
|
y-3 |
10-4 |
vs. WAS |
|
|
4 |
6-8 |
at ARI |
|
|
x-5 |
10-4 |
vs. PHI |
|
|
6 |
8-5-1 |
at MIN |
|
|
7 |
7-6-1 |
at SF |
x — Clinched playoff berth | y — Clinched division title
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles, who will be without Jalen Hurts this weekend, punched their playoff ticket in Week 14 but have yet to officially clinch the NFC East or secure the No. 1 seed. Here’s how they can do both in Week 16:
- Win the NFC East with a win or tie against the Cowboys
- Clinch the No. 1 seed with a win against the Cowboys or with a tie against the Cowboys and a Vikings loss or tie against the Giants
Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Saints, vs. Giants
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 95.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 16.5 percent
Minnesota Vikings
Even if the Vikings lose out, they can’t finish worse than the No. 3 seed. They can thank the sad state of the NFC South for that.
According to our model, Minnesota has the sixth-easiest remaining schedule.
Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, at Packers, at Bears
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 1.5 percent | To win Super Bowl: 9.0 percent
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers recognize their odds of securing the No. 1 seed are slim, but San Francisco made clear this week that it is shooting to win out and overtake the Vikings for the No. 2 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Cardinals
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 1.7 percent | To win Super Bowl: 7.2 percent
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 6-8 Bucs remain one game ahead of the three other teams in their division, all of whom are 5-9. Amazingly, the Panthers control their own fate, as they won their first matchup against the Bucs. The second comes in Tampa in Week 17. Our model gives Carolina a 10.4 percent chance to win the NFC South, compared to 83.7 percent for the Bucs.
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals, vs. Panthers, at Falcons
Odds: To make playoffs: 83.8 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 3.3 percent
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys clinched a playoff spot last week when the Giants beat the Commanders, but according to our model, Dallas holds just a 3.6 percent chance of winning the NFC East and a 1.8 percent chance at securing the No. 1 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Titans, at Commanders
Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 1.8 percent | To win Super Bowl: 5.1 percent
New York Giants
The Giants can secure their first playoff berth since 2016 this weekend with a win against the Vikings and a combination of losses by the Commanders, Lions and Seahawks. Just a win in Minnesota would push the Giants’ playoff odds over 90 percent.
Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Colts, at Eagles
Odds: To make playoffs: 80.1 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 2.9 percent
GO DEEPER
NFL Playoff scenarios for Week 16: Who benefits and loses with each result?
Washington Commanders
Washington ceded major playoff leverage by losing to the Giants last week. The Commanders are a seven-point underdog for their road matchup against the 49ers.
Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Browns, vs. Cowboys
Odds: To make playoffs: 37.6 percent | To earn bye: 0.0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.8 percent
In the hunt
- Seahawks (7-7) | Odds to make the playoffs: 18.1 percent
- Lions (7-7) | 57.1 percent
- Packers (6-8) | 6.9 percent
- Panthers (5-9) | 10.4 percent
- Falcons (5-9) | 3.0 percent
- Saints (5-9) | 3.1 percent
Eliminated
- Bears (3-11)
- Cardinals (4-10)
- Rams (4-10)
(Photo: Vincent Carchietta / USA Today)
San Francisco 49ers clinch NFC West with victory in Seattle
SEATTLE — For the first time since 2019, the San Francisco 49ers are NFC West division champions.
And though Lumen Field has been something of a house of horrors for them for the past decade-plus, it also has been the site of their two most recent hat-and-T-shirt celebrations.
This time, the Niners wrapped up the NFC West on Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks with a resounding 21-13 victory. When they claimed the division crown in 2019, that clinch also happened in Seattle.
With Thursday’s win, the Niners improved to 10-4 on the season and claimed their seventh straight victory, their longest winning streak since an eight-game tear in 2019. It is the earliest the 49ers have wrapped up the division since 2011 and ensures they can finish no lower than the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs.
It is also the first time San Francisco has swept the Seahawks in a season since 2011.
Without the services of wide receiver Deebo Samuel (left knee, ankle), and with quarterback Brock Purdy playing through a rib and oblique injury, the Niners turned to star running back Christian McCaffrey to do most of the heavy lifting on the way to Thursday’s clinch.
McCaffrey had 19 touches for 87 yards and a touchdown in the first half, the second-most touches he has had in an opening half in his career. He finished with 32 touches for 138 scrimmage yards, his fifth game with 100-plus scrimmage yards, making him the second midseason acquisition to hit that number, joining Eric Dickerson, who had six such games in 1987 for the Indianapolis Colts, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Purdy, who was listed as questionable this week and was limited in three practices, finished 17-of-26 for 217 yards with a pair of touchdown passes to tight end George Kittle for a passer rating of 117.0.
Michigan vs. Purdue score, takeaways: Wolverines clinch top-two CFP spot, win second straight Big Ten title
No. 2 Michigan clinched its second consecutive Big Ten championship and a top-two spot in the College Football Playoff with a 43-22 victory over Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Boilermakers and their dynamic offense ran nearly twice as ma ny plays as the Wolverines, but Michigan made critical stops to come away with their second conference title under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy couldn’t quite match his productivity from the team’s regular-season finale over Ohio State, but he threw three touchdowns in just 17 pass attempts as the Wolverines outscored Purdue 29-9 in the second half to continue their impressive run of closing efforts. Running back Donovan Edwards added 185 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell played a strong game, but two backbreaking interceptions cost the Boilermakers during a key second-half run. The first came in the third quarter when O’Connell killed a drive in the red zone with an interception to Michigan’s Will Johnson. Three drives later, with Purdue down just nine points, O’Connell threw another pick within his own 20-yard line to set up an easy touchdown toss from McCarthy to receiver Ronnie Bell to push Michigan’s lead out to three scores.
Michigan is one of the last two undefeated programs standing along with Georgia. The Bulldogs and Wolverines should easily slot in at No. 1 and 2, respectively, after becoming the only top-five teams to win conference championships. Now, all eyes switch to the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine as the College Football playoff committee decides Michigan’s eventual destination.
Wasted opportunities
This Big Ten Championship Game was no coronation like Iowa’s 42-3 baptism against the Wolverines in 2021. Instead, Purdue played almost the perfect football game to beat Michigan but whiffed on some big chances in key spots.
Purdue put together six drives of at least eight plays, an impressive achievement against Michigan’s physical defense. However, only one of the Boilermaker’s drives ended in a touchdown: the second drive of the game. Purdue settled for five field goals, including three of 35 yards or fewer. Michigan responded by scoring on all four trips to the red zone. The gap effectively decided the game.
Donovan Edwards continues to emerge
Michigan running back Donovan Edwards missed part of the season with injuries and played second-fiddle to Blake Corum. But in two games with Corum out of the lineup, Edwards has proved definitively that he can be a workhorse running back for one of the best teams in the nation.
Over the last two games against Ohio State and Purdue, Edwards has run for 401 yards and three touchdowns on just 47 carries while breaking off runs of 85 and 60 yards to swing games and lay knockout blows. Edwards has emerged as a legitimate weapon for Michigan’s offense and ensured the Wolverines that losing Corum isn’t a devastating blow.
McCarthy stays solid
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy put together an incredible performance against Ohio State. While his numbers weren’t quite as lofty in the Big Ten title win, McCarthy’s performance was critical in keeping Purdue on its toes during a competitive first half.
McCarthy completed 11 of his 17 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He found Ronnie Bell five times for 67 yards and once again extended plays with his feet. Michigan has run the ball at a high level for two years, but McCarthy’s playmaking ability is the wild-card factor that the Wolverines have been waiting for as they await a potential national championship showdown against Georgia.
Charlie Jones should be recognized as elite
Purdue wide receiver Charlie Jones was a little-used bit player at Iowa, but the Big Ten title game should be on repeat for NFL scouts. Jones was unbelievable, catching 13 passes for 165 yards and tripling his nearest teammate in receiving. Every time Purdue needed a big play, Jones managed to complete acrobatic catches around aggressive Michigan defensive backs. Jones will finish with nearly 1,400 yards receiving in a sensational senior season. Not many receivers nationally can boast 100-yard receiving games against Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State.
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