One of the surest signs of the holiday season is the arrival of the NFL's first playoff scenarios.
On Monday, the 49ers became the first team in 2023 to punch their ticket into the postseason. The Giants' 24–22 win over the Packers, coupled with San Francisco's 28–16 win over the Seahawks on Sunday, sealed the 49ers' third straight playoff berth.
This coming week, four more postseason bids are up for grabs. The NFL released scenarios for Week 15 on Wednesday afternoon, bringing clinching into play for the Ravens, Cowboys, Lions and Eagles.
Week 15 playoff scenarios: pic.twitter.com/0seaau0TIP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2023
Baltimore has the only path to an AFC playoff berth this week, needing to defeat the Jaguars on Sunday and get at least two other dominoes to fall—most involving the Bills or Broncos.
On the NFC side, Dallas simply needs to beat Buffalo to clinch. Should the Cowboys lose, they have 13 other multi-outcome paths to the playoffs this week.
To make the playoffs this week, Detroit must beat Denver and get help. The most straightforward scenarios involve the Lions winning and Philadelphia beating Seattle, along with one of Green Bay, the Vikings and the Rams falling.
Lastly, the Eagles can clinch with a win or one of eight other multi-pronged outcomes.
San Francisco can improve upon its playoff berth and win the NFC West if it beats or ties the Cardinals while the Commanders beat or tie the Rams.
