AFC playoff scenarios: Chiefs can clinch it all

The AFC is going to provide fantastic theater in Week 17. While four of the six playoff spots are clinched none of the seeds have been locked up.

While we could sit here and write 1,500 words on every team and every scenario, we’re going to be fairly basic because otherwise, well, it’s a total mess. There are technically some ways that the Houston Texans could be the top seed or that the Tennessee Titans could earn a bye, but let’s not get carried away.

Below is how the playoff picture looks now, and what each team needs to either move up or lock in their spot.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)
2. New England Patriots (10-5)
3. Houston Texans (10-5)
4. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
6. Indianapolis Colts (9-6)
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7. Tennessee Titans (9-6)
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6-1)

Kansas City – The Chiefs simply need to beat the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. If they do that, they wrap up the No. 1 seed for the first time since 1997. All roads to the Super Bowl in the AFC would go through Kansas City.

New England – The Patriots have already clinched the AFC East. If New England wins against the New York Jets, it secures a first-round bye. If the Chiefs and Chargers both lose, and the Patriots win, they are the top seed.

Houston – The Texans can clinch the AFC South with a win at home over the Jacksonville Jaguars. A victory and a loss from either New England or Kansas City would give Houston a first-round bye.

Baltimore – A win and the Ravens are in. Baltimore will have to beat the Cleveland Browns at home to do so. The Ravens would move up into the third seed with a win and a Houston loss.

Los Angeles – The Chargers can’t finish lower than their current fifth seed. Los Angeles needs to beat the Denver Broncos on the road and then have Kansas City lose to Oakland to win the AFC West. In that scenario, the Chargers would earn home-field advantage.

Indianapolis – The Colts and Titans are playing a play-in game in Nashville. The winner makes the playoffs while the loser is out. Should the Texans lose, the Colts would be the fourth seed with a win.

Tennessee – Same as Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh – The Steelers need to win and get some help. Pittsburgh must take care of the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field or they are eliminated. Should they beat the Bengals, the Steelers then need the Ravens to lose to Cleveland. If that scenario plays out, Pittsburgh would be the fourth seed.