Breaking down the NFL playoff picture heading into Week 15

So far, only one NFL team (Dallas Cowboys) has clinched a playoff spot after 14 weeks of play, but that could certainly change after Week 15’s games are in the books. The New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and New York Giants all can clinch a playoff berth this week.

Here’s a closer look at the playoff picture entering Week 15.

AFC

1. New England Patriots (11-2)

2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)

4. Houston Texans (7-6)

5. Oakland Raiders (10-3)

6. Denver Broncos (8-5)

Other contenders: Miami Dolphins (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (7-6), Tennessee Titans (7-6), Indianapolis Colts (6-7), Buffalo Bills (6-7)

Biggest games in Week 15:

Titans at Chiefs

Few analysts and fans predicted a Week 15 game between the Titans and Chiefs would be so important in deciding how the playoff picture would shake out heading into the season. Tennessee has a legitimate chance to win the AFC South after beating the Broncos last Sunday, while Kansas City is currently the favorite to win the AFC West and earn a first-round bye. The Chiefs can clinch a playoff spot with a win this week.

Patriots at Broncos

The Patriots can clinch the AFC East title and a first-round bye with a victory, while the Broncos—who currently hold the AFC’s sixth and final playoff spot—really need a win as they enter this brutal three-game stretch to finish the season.

Raiders at Chargers

The Chargers can play spoiler against the Raiders, who need a win in San Diego to clinch a playoff spot. Another Oakland loss would make the final two games very interesting for the Raiders.

NFC 

1. Dallas Cowboys (11-2)*

2. Detroit Lions (9-4)

3. Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1) 

4. Atlanta Falcons (8-5)

5. New York Giants (9-4)

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)

*Clinched playoff berth

Other contenders: Washington Redskins (7-5-1), Minnesota Vikings (7-6), Green Bay Packers (7-6), Arizona Cardinals (5-7-1)

Biggest games in Week 15:

Rams at Seahawks

Despite a 28-point loss in Green Bay last week, the Seahawks can still clinch the NFC West title with a win over the Rams on Thursday night. Nothing has been going right for Los Angeles, as the team prepares to head to Seattle on the short week after firing head coach Jeff Fisher.

Lions at Giants

Both teams are faced with the possibility of securing postseason berths on Sunday. The Lions can clinch the NFC North title with a win and a Packers loss to the Bears, while the Giants can lock up a playoff spot with a win and some help (Redskins loss, or a loss from both the Packers and Vikings). Also, there’s a strong chance these two teams could meet again in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Colts at Vikings

Neither team can afford another loss. The Colts have an uphill battle to catch the Texans and Titans in the AFC South, while the Vikings’ only path to the postseason requires winning the team’s final three games.

Buccaneers at Cowboys

The Sunday night game features two teams in need of a win, but for different reasons. The Buccaneers are trying to hold off the Redskins, Vikings and Packers for Wild Card berths, as well as win the NFC South, while the Cowboys can clinch the NFC East title and a first-round bye with a win and a Giants loss.