While there are still six weeks in the 2024 NFL regular season, three teams have performed well enough to already be in a position to clinch a playoff berth in Week 13. The Kansas City Chiefs (10-1), Detroit Lions (10-1), and Buffalo Bills (9-2) can both punch their postseason tickets this weekend.
What needs to happen for these two clubs to secure their playoff entry in Week 13? Let’s use Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor to find out.
Chiefs’ Playoff-Clinching Scenarios in Week 13
The Chiefs became the AFC’s first club to reach double-digit wins this season after hanging on for a close victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. This week, they can become the league’s first team to clinch a playoff berth when they face the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
Here’s how Kansas City can enter the dance in Week 13:
- KC win + MIA loss/tie
- KC win + DEN loss
- KC win + LAC loss + DEN tie
- KC tie + MIA loss
Any of these combinations would clinch a playoff spot for Patrick Mahomes and Co. The AFC West title would still be up for grabs, but the Chiefs would have sealed a postseason berth.
The Chiefs are 12.5-point home favorites against the Raiders on Friday, while the Miami Dolphins are 3.5-point road underdogs vs. the Green Bay Packers. If the Dolphins win on Thanksgiving, Kansas City will root for the five-point underdog Cleveland Browns when they travel to face the Denver Broncos for MNF.
Bills’ Playoff-Clinching Scenarios in Week 13
Although the Chiefs can’t win their division this week, the Bills can claim their fifth consecutive AFC East crown in Week 13.
Here’s how Josh Allen’s club can win the division:
- Win vs. SF + MIA loss
Because Miami is playing on Thursday, the Bills will already know whether they can clinch the division with a win in their Sunday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Buffalo is a seven-point home favorite against San Francisco, which fell to 5-6 with a loss to the Packers on Sunday. Brock Purdy (shoulder) may not be ready for this week’s matchup, so the Bills could see backup quarterback Brandon Allen.
Lions’ Playoff-Clinching Scenarios in Week 13
The Lions became the NFC’s only 10-win team by taking down the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday.
Detroit is the favorite in the NFC North race, but the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) and Packers (9-3) are keeping things interesting as December approaches. While the Lions can’t win the division on Sunday, they can clinch a playoff berth this week.
Here’s how Dan Campbell’s squad can punch their ticket in Week 13:
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss/tie + SEA loss + TB loss/tie
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + TB loss/tie
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss/tie + WAS loss/tie + ATL loss
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss/tie + WAS loss + ATL tie
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss + ATL loss
- DET win + SF loss/tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss + ATL tie
The Lions could also clinch a playoff berth in several scenarios via a tie and other outcomes around the NFC.
Detroit is a 10-point home favorite against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day. They’ll need a lot to go their way on Sunday, even if they defeat the Bears, but a playoff-clinching weekend isn’t out of the question.