National Football League

2024 NFL Playoff Scenarios: Which teams can clinch in Week 14?

Updated Dec. 5, 2024 12:16 a.m. ET

The 2025 NFL playoffs don't kick off until Jan. 11, but teams have started locking down postseason berths.

Two teams — the Buffalo Bills and defending champion Kansas City Chiefs — have already punched their playoff tickets. Three NFC squads can join them in Week 14, if things shake out the right way. The Chiefs also have a chance to keep the AFC West title in Kansas City.

Check out this week's playoff scenarios below!

AFC

HOW THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS CAN CLINCH THE AFC WEST

Kansas City Chiefs win

The Chiefs can claim their ninth straight division title with a win at home Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City topped LA in their first matchup, 17-10 in Week 4.

NFC

HOW THE DETROIT LIONS CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Detroit Lions win OR
Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie + Philadelphia Eagles win OR
Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks loss + Philadelphia Eagles win OR
Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Philadelphia Eagles win + Detroit clinches at least a tie in strength of victory tiebreaker over Philadelphia OR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie + Philadelphia Eagles win OR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks loss + Philadelphia Eagles win

The 11-1 Lions' least complicated path to a playoff spot would be a win over the rival Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. But if they fall short, there are nine other ways they can officially secure a playoff bid, and they involve six other NFC teams.

The Falcons will take their three-game losing streak into Minnesota, which is also hoping to land a spot in the postseason this week. The Buccaneers, who are coming off an overtime win against the Panthers, will host the Raiders, losers of eight straight.

The Seahawks and Cardinals will meet for the second time in three weeks; Seattle won the first round, 16-6, and now leads the NFC West.

The Rams, like the Cardinals, are one game back of the Seahawks in the division. They have a daunting task on Sunday, when they welcome the red-hot Bills to LA. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on the call for FOX.

The Eagles, who can also clinch this week, will play at home against the Panthers.

How close are the Packers to the Lions? | Breakfast Ball

HOW THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Minnesota Vikings win + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Minnesota Vikings win + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Minnesota Vikings tie + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss OR
Minnesota Vikings tie + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss + Arizona Cardinals tie + Los Angeles Rams loss + Philadelphia Eagles win or tie

The Vikings can get back to the playoffs for the first time in two years with a little help this weekend — and if they don't lose. Last week, the Vikings overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to beat the Arizona Cardinals, which marked their fifth consecutive win and improved them to 10-2. Next, they'll host their former quarterback Kirk Cousins and the 6-6 Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).

Week 14 Must-Win: Is Kirk Cousins under pressure in his return to Minnesota? | First Things First

HOW THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Philadelphia Eagles win + Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles win + Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles win + Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Detroit Lions win or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles win + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles win + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles win + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie + Arizona Cardinals loss + Detroit Lions win or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles tie + Atlanta Falcons loss + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles tie + Atlanta Falcons loss + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles tie + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss + Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles tie + Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss + Arizona Cardinals loss + Los Angeles Rams loss or tie

The Eagles also need some help to sew up their fourth straight playoff berth this week. They just went on the road and beat the Baltimore Ravens, marking their eighth consecutive win and moving them to 10-2. Next up for Philadelphia is a home matchup against the 3-9 Carolina Panthers on Sunday (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).