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Playoff-clinching scenarios for Bills, Chiefs and Lions

Possible alternative titles: 1. "Potential Playoff Scenarios for Bills, Chiefs, and Lions" 2. "Bills, Chiefs, and Lions: Playoff Possibilities" 3. "Breaking Down Playoff Scenarios for Bills, Chiefs, and Lions" 4. "Postseason Predictions for Bills, Chiefs, and Lions" 5. "Examining Playoff Scenarios for Bills, Chiefs, and Lions"

By Michael Taker November, 27th 2024

Reading time: 9 min

The teams of Buffalo, Kansas City and Detroit have an opportunity to secure their spots in the playoffs during Week 13.

The Bills (9-2) have the simplest path to clinching. They can secure the AFC East title by defeating the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday night, along with a loss by their division rival, the Miami Dolphins (5-6), on Thursday night against Green Bay.

The Chiefs (10-1) can secure a playoff berth with a win on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders, as well as one of three other outcomes: a loss or tie by Miami on Thursday, a loss by their AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos (7-5), on Monday against Cleveland, or a loss by their division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), on Sunday against Atlanta, along with a tie by Denver.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City, can also secure a playoff spot with a tie against Las Vegas and a loss by Miami.

The Detroit Lions (10-1), who are leading the NFC North, have six potential paths to the playoffs, all of which require a win on Thursday at home against their division rival, the Chicago Bears.

In addition to a win, the Lions would also need a loss or tie by San Francisco, along with one of the following scenarios:

- An Arizona loss or tie, a Seattle loss, and a Tampa Bay loss or tie

- An Arizona loss, a Seattle tie, and a Tampa Bay loss or tie

- An Arizona loss or tie, a Seattle loss, a Washington loss or tie, and an Atlanta loss

- An Arizona loss or tie, a Seattle loss, a Washington loss, and an Atlanta tie