NFL Playoff Picture

When handicapping NFL games during the last few weeks of the regular season, it's important to know the playoff picture in order to better understand the motivational level of the various teams.

Some teams, like the Indianapolis Colts, have already accomplished everything they possibly can. Their main goal should be staying healthy. Others desperately need a victory, while some teams are playing merely for pride.

Let's take a look at the Week 16 matchups, with particular attention to each team’s playoff needs.

Bills at Bengals
The 4-10 Bills have nothing to play for. Although their first road win of the season would be nice! Cincinnati (11-3) has already won the AFC North. However, the Bengals are still hoping to overtake the Broncos for the second seed (and the first round bye that comes with it). Both teams have equal records but the Broncos hold the tiebreaker edge with their 8-2 conference record.

Steelers at Browns
The 5-9 Browns are attempting to play 'spoiler' against their division rival. Pittsburgh, 9-5, is currently the number two wild card team in the AFC. The Steelers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Chargers but need to keep winning.

Chargers at Chiefs
Although mathematically still alive, the 8-6 Chiefs will likely miss the playoffs even with a victory here. The Chargers (9-5) are in a bit better shape but will also need some help. San Diego needs to win this game and then beat Denver and hope that either Pittsburgh or Jacksonville loses at least one game.

Titans at Dolphins
Neither team will be reaching the playoffs. Miami (7-7) can still finish above 500.

Jaguars at Texans
The 10-4 Jaguars currently occupy the top wildcard spot. They can clinch a playoff spot with 1) a win or 2) a tie and Pittsburgh loss or tie or 3) a tie and San Diego loss or 4) a Pittsburgh loss and Kansas City loss or tie. The Texans are attempting to spoil the party.

Cowboys at Panthers
With a 10-4 record, Carolina currently leads the NFC South. The Panthers can clinch a playoff spot with 1) a win or tie or 2) Washington loss or tie, Atlanta loss or tie and Minnesota loss or tie. Carolina can clinch division title with 1) a win and Tampa Bay loss or tie or 2) a tie and Tampa Bay loss. The Panthers are still hoping for a first round bye but will need to win and get some help for that to happen. Last week's loss at Washington really hurt Dallas. The Cowboys, 8-6, need to win and get some help.

Giants at Redskins
This is a big game for both teams. New York (10-4) leads the NFC East and holds the tiebreaker against Carolina because of its 8-3 conference record. The Giants can clinch playoff spot with a Minnesota loss or tie and can clinch division title with a win or tie. The Redskins (8-6) currently occupy the second NFC wildcard spot. They hold the tiebreaker over Dallas, Minnesota and Atlanta with their 8-2 conference record and can clinch a playoff spot with a win, Dallas loss, Minnesota loss and Atlanta loss.

Falcons at Bucs
Both teams hurt themselves last week. However, the Bucs (9-5) still occupy the top wild card spot in the NFC. They can clinch a playoff berth with 1) a win, Dallas loss or tie and Washington loss or tie or 2) a win, Dallas loss or tie and Minnesota loss or tie or 3) a win, Washington loss or tie and Minnesota loss or tie. The Falcons (8-6) need to win and get a lot of help.
Colts at Seahawks
The Colts (13-1) have already won the AFC. After seeing their undefeated season go 'up in smoke', they seemingly have nothing to play for. The Seahawks (12-2) have already won the NFC West and have clinched a first-round bye. They can win the NFC with 1) a win or tie or 2) Chicago loss or tie.

Raiders at Broncos
Denver (11-3) leads the AFC West and has clinched a playoff berth. The Broncos hold the tiebreaker against Cincinnati based on their 8-2 conference record. They can clinch division title with 1) a win or tie or 2) San Diego loss or tie and can clinch a first-round bye with a win and Cincinnati loss. Oakland has nothing to play for.

Bears at Packers
The Packers are playing out the string. Chicago (10-4) leads the NFC North and holds the tiebreaker against the Giants and the Panthers based on their 8-2 conference record. The Bears can clinch a playoff berth with 1) Washington loss or tie or 2) Tampa Bay loss. They can clinch the division title with 1) a win or tie or 2) a Minnesota loss or tie. They can clinch a first-round bye with a win, N.Y. Giants loss and Carolina loss.

Vikings at Ravens
Although they looked like a playoff-team on Monday Night, the Ravens will not be making the playoffs. The Vikings (8-6) need to win and get a lot of help.

Patriots at Jets
The Patriots (9-5) may rest some starters here as they have already clinched the AFC East but are unable to improve their position within the conference. The Jets have known that they wouldn't be making the playoffs for many weeks now.