The NFL will feature a Week 17 Saturday tripleheader. Three teams — Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams – all have playoff-clinching scenarios. All three games will air on NFL Network. Find out each playoff scenario below.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12) – 1 p.m. ET
A pair of 🔟s face off in New England.
📺: #LACvsNE – Saturday 1pm ET on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/espKwApwKw— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 27, 2024
The Chargers have a 94% chance of making the postseason.
The Chargers’ path to the playoffs is simple. If Los Angeles defeats the Patriots, the Chargers advance to the postseason. If the Chargers lose, they can still advance with losses by the Colts and the Dolphins.
Even if the Chargers lose, Los Angeles will still have an 83% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL.com.
If the Chargers win, it will be the third time since 2018 that Los Angeles has made the postseason.
Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) – 4:30 p.m. ET
The Broncos control their playoff destiny, but the door is still open for the Cincinnati Bengals. 👀
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/kHiayw48sh
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 23, 2024
The Broncos are on the cusp of the postseason, with a 75% chance of qualifying for the AFC playoffs.
Like the Chargers, the Broncos clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Bengals. If the Broncos lose, their chances of making the postseason decrease to 61%.
On the other side, the Bengals still have a chance to make the postseason, but it’s a lot more complicated.
First, the Bengals must win their final two games of the season. Then, the Broncos must lose out. Also, the Dolphins and Colts must lose at least one more game each.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) – 8:10 p.m. ET
If #Rams lose to ARI 👉 #SEAvsLAR Week 18 will be for NFC West.
If Rams beat ARI 👉 #Seahawks must beat Rams *AND* get a strength of victory miracle.
Updated color-coded guide for SOV tally. 👇
(Rams can clinch this weekend and wins by at least 4 of CIN/BUF/CLE/MIN/WAS/SF.) pic.twitter.com/J2CN45hVnO— Deniz Selman (@denizselman33) December 27, 2024
The Rams control their own destiny. If the Rams win out, the NFC West crown is theirs.
With Seattle’s win, the Rams cannot clinch the division with a win over the Cardinals. However, the Rams can win the division with a win and a strength of victory tiebreaker over Seattle.
For the strength of victory tiebreaker to happen, the Rams need four wins from any of these teams in Week 17: Bengals, Commanders, Bills, 49ers, Vikings, and Browns.
If the Rams lose, Los Angeles’ game against the Seahawks in Week 18 will be for the NFC West.
