With five weeks left in the 2022 NFL season, we are starting to see NFL playoff scenarios come into play as teams get closer to clinching their spot in the postseason. This week there are three teams who can clinch playoff spots, with two of them having missed their first opportunity last week. Let’s take a look at the NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 14
Week 14 NFL Playoff Scenarios
As the NFL standings for 2022 continue to take shape, the three teams who can clinch playoff spots this week are the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs. Two of those, the Vikings and Chiefs, have the opportunity to clinch their division, while the Eagles can only clinch a wildcard spot this week due to the competitive nature of the NFC East.
The Eagles, whose odds to win the division currently sit at -450 at Draftkings Sportsbook, can clinch their spot by simply winning, or they need both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks to lose. The second part of that was the same as last week when the Eagles also needed the Washington Commanders to tie. The Commanders did their part, but the Seahawks and 49ers both won. This week, Philadelphia has its future in its own hands against the New York Giants.
The Vikings also just need to win to clinch the NFC North title. Their opponent this week, the Detroit Lions, is the only team that can stop them from winning the division. The Lions would need to win out, while the Vikings lose every game in order to prevent that from happening. However, the Vikings can put that to bed this week by winning against the Lions in Detroit.
In order for the Chiefs to win the division, they need some help, or they will have to wait another week. The first step is that the Chiefs themselves must win in their matchup against the Denver Broncos. They then need the Dolphins to beat the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. A tie for the Chargers would be enough to prevent the Chiefs from winning the divisions.
One other team can take a major step towards putting them on the verge of winning their division. A win for the Tennessee Titans, currently -1200 to win the division, against the Jacksonville Jaguars would put the division in their hands in Week 15 of the NFL schedule. Additionally, a win for the Buffalo Bills could put clinching a playoff spot into their own hands in Week 15.