National Football League

2024 NFL Playoff Scenarios: Which teams can clinch in Week 15?

Updated Dec. 11, 2024 4:20 a.m. ET

The 2025 NFL playoffs don't kick off until Jan. 11, but teams are locking down spots quickly.

Four teams have already punched their playoff tickets: the Buffalo Bills and defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, and the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC. Four more can join the postseason party this weekend, while the Eagles can reclaim the NFC East title.

Check out this week's playoff scenarios below!

AFC

HOW THE HOUSTON TEXANS CAN CLINCH THE AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans win + Indianapolis Colts loss

The Texans are two games up on the Colts in the AFC South and swept the season series against Indianapolis. So all Houston needs is a win, coupled with a Colts loss, to secure its second straight division title.

The Texans, coming off their bye week, will host the Miami Dolphins, winners of four of their last five games. The Colts will travel to Denver to meet the 8-5 Broncos. Both of those teams also had their bye last week.

HOW THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Pittsburgh Steelers win or tie OR
Miami Dolphins loss or tie + Indianapolis Colts loss or tie

In Week 13, Mike Tomlin secured his 18th consecutive non-losing season as head coach of the Steelers. Now, his team can grab its fourth playoff bid in the last five seasons — and 12th overall in Tomlin's tenure — with a win or tie against the Eagles. The highly anticipated in-state showdown will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, with Tom Brady and Kevin Burhardt in the booth.

But even if the Steelers lose in Philadelphia, they have another path to the postseason this week. Pittsburgh would officially be in if Miami loses to, or ties with, Houston, along with an Indianapolis loss or tie with Denver.

Herd Hierarchy: Bills move down, Rams move in Top 10 heading into Week 15 | The Herd

NFC

HOW THE GREEN BAY PACKERS CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Green Bay Packers win + Atlanta Falcons loss or tie + San Francisco 49ers-Los Angeles Rams tie

The Packers have the most complicated playoff scenario this week. After a heartbreaking loss to the Lions last week, Green Bay has to go on the road to face the NFC West-leading Seahawks. Not only do the Packers need a win in Seattle, but they also need two more results to go their way: the Falcons to lose to or tie the two-win Raiders on Monday night, and the 49ers and Rams to tie on Thursday night.

There hasn't been a tie in the NFL since December 2022.

HOW THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS CAN CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH

Minnesota Vikings win or tie OR
Los Angeles Rams loss or tie OR
Seattle Seahawks loss or tie

Sam Darnold is fresh off a career performance after throwing for 347 yards and five touchdowns (both personal bests) in a win over the Falcons. Next, he'll be in line to start his first ever playoff game if the Vikings top the free-falling Bears. Minnesota won the first matchup between these rivals in overtime in Week 12.

The Vikings might have already sewn up a postseason spot before they kick off on Monday night, if the Rams or Seahawks lose/tie in their respective games.

Tom Brady's 3 Stars of Week 14: Sam Darnold, Puka Nacua, Josh Allen | DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE

HOW THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES CAN CLINCH THE NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles win + Washington Commanders loss or tie OR
Philadelphia Eagles tie + Washington Commanders loss

The NFC East hasn't had a repeat winner since 2004, and that streak is likely to continue. The division's reigning champs, the Dallas Cowboys, are 5-8. The current leaders, the Eagles, are 11-2 and have won nine in a row. Philly can retake the NFC East as soon as this week, though it will be challenging.

First, the Eagles — who are having some issues with their passing game — need to take down the Steelers. Then, they can't have the Commanders beat the Saints, who will likely be without starting quarterback Derek Carr.

They could also get in with a tie against Pittsburgh and a Commanders loss to the Saints.