Playoff-clinching scenarios for Bills, Chiefs and Lions

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th November, 11:42 2024

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) before warm ups at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Buffalo, Kansas City and Detroit have a chance to punch their playoff tickets in Week 13.

The Bills (9-2) have the least complicated scenario. They can clinch the AFC East by beating the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday night, paired with a loss Thursday night by the division rival Miami Dolphins (5-6) at Green Bay.

The Chiefs (10-1) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders plus one of three other outcomes: a Miami loss or tie on Thursday; a loss by the AFC West rival Denver Broncos (7-5) Monday against Cleveland; or a loss by the division rival Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) Sunday at Atlanta plus a Denver tie.

Two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City can also clinch with a tie against Las Vegas and a Miami loss.

The NFC North-leading Lions (10-1) have six potential pathways, each of them requiring a win on Thursday at home against the division rival Chicago Bears.

The Lions would also need a San Francisco loss or tie plus one of the following scenarios:

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Tampa Bay loss or tie

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Tampa Bay loss or tie

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Washington loss or tie plus Atlanta loss

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Washington loss plus Atlanta tie

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Washington loss or tie plus Atlanta loss

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Washington loss plus Atlanta tie

--Field Level Media