NFL Playoff Picture: How AFC and NFC contenders can clinch this week

The Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Buffalo Bills can all clinch a playoff spot in Week 15 of the NFL season. Here’s how they can do so.

We are entering Week 15 of the NFL season, and there is just one team that has already locked up a spot in the playoffs. That team is none other than the 12-1 Philadelphia Eagles, who blew out the New York Giants 48-22 last week to clinch their postseason berth.

In Week 15, there are five teams who can clinch a spot in the playoffs. One of them is the San Francisco 49ers, who can win the NFC West title with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.

The remaining teams who can clinch a postseason berth are the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings. Here’s how each can do so in Week 15.

Minnesota Vikings clinching scenarios

The Vikings have the opportunity lock up the NFC North title, their first since 2017. They can do so in two scenarios, courtesy of the NFL:

1. Vikings win or tie vs. Indianapolis Colts or
2. Detroit Lions loss vs. New York Jets

It’s as simple as that. The Lions are the lone threat to the Vikings for the division crown, even though they’re 6-7 on the season.

Dallas Cowboys clinching scenarios

The Cowboys had a scare last week against the Houston Texans, but managed to pull off the 27-23 victory on a drive at the end of the game. Now, they’re in position to clinch a playoff spot and even contend for the NFC East title. The title isn’t on the line, but a playoff spot is in Week 15.

Here’s what they need to happen:

1. Cowboys win vs. Jacksonville Jaguars or
2. Cowboys tie vs. Jaguars and New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders doesn’t end in a tie or
3. Cowboys tie vs. Jaguars and Seahawks loss or tie vs. 49ers
4. Seahawks loss vs. 49ers and Lions loss or tie vs. Jets
5. Seahawks loss vs. 49ers and Commanders loss vs. Giants

Five scenarios for a playoff berth. Study them, Cowboys fans.