Playoff picture: How the Ravens and Giants can lock in a spot

Dec 22, 2022

ESPN staff

With just three weeks left in the 2022 NFL regular season, the playoff picture is shaping up. More teams have claimed their spots in the NFC and AFC. However, the race to the playoffs continues as top teams in both conferences are still looking to lock in their spots for the postseason and have a chance to do so in Week 16

The Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to make a final push in their quest for the AFC North title, while the New York Giants are hoping to take a big step toward an NFC playoff spot when they face the Minnesota Vikings.

Here are the playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 16 as teams try to reach Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The playoffs begin Jan. 14, with 14 total teams making the field, seven from the NFC and seven from the AFC.

NFL playoff matchups as it stands

AFC

Teams that have clinched postseason berths: Bills, Chiefs (AFC West), Bengals

NFC

Teams that have clinched postseason berths: Eagles, Cowboys, 49ers (NFC West), Vikings (NFC North)

Week 16 AFC playoff-clinching scenarios

Opponent: Atlanta Falcons (5-9) | Saturday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX

Baltimore clinches playoff berth with:

BAL win + MIA loss or tie + NE loss or tie OR
BAL win + MIA loss or tie + NYJ loss or tie OR
BAL win + NE loss or tie + NYJ loss or tie OR
BAL tie + NE loss + NYJ loss OR
BAL tie + NE loss + MIA loss + LAC win OR
BAL tie + NE tie + NYJ loss + MIA loss OR
NE loss + NYJ loss + CLE loss or tie + LV loss or tie + TEN loss or tie + LAC win