Just three games remain in the NFL’s regular season, and the New England Patriots still have yet to clinch even a playoff spot. That could change this weekend.
A win this Sunday over the Denver Broncos would secure both the AFC East title and a first-round playoff bye for the Patriots. New England also would clinch the division crown if the Miami Dolphins lose to or tie the New York Jets, and would lock up the bye with either of the following:
— A Miami loss or tie, coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers loss or tie
OR
— A Miami loss or tie, coupled with a Kansas City Chiefs win
The Steelers visit the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Chiefs welcome the Tennessee Titans to Arrowhead Stadium.
The Dallas Cowboys are the only NFL team that has clinched a postseason berth. Six more can earn playoff spots this weekend, including the Patriots, Chiefs and Oakland Raiders in the AFC.
Here is the full list of Week 15 clinching scenarios, courtesy of NFL director of football communications Randall Liu.
Week 15 @NFL playoff scenarios.
7 teams can clinch: DAL (Div/Bye/HFA), NE (Div/Bye), DET (Div), SEA (Div), KC, OAK, NYG pic.twitter.com/Y9CBhZb9FD
— Randall Liu (@RLiuCBS) December 13, 2016
NESN.com’s NFL Week 15 power rankings >>
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
