NFL Week 16 Playoff Picture: Lions Can Clinch First Division Title Since 1993

Only three weeks remain in the 2023 NFL regular season. Then, we can look at the playoff brackets and predict away, knowing full-well we’re trying to predict the impossible.

In the meantime, the only team that have punched their proverbial playoff tickets are the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, with San Francisco having wrapped up the NFC West.

In Week 16, the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs can both clinch their respective divisions with victories. Additionally, the Miami Dolphins can earn a playoff berth with a win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Lastly, the Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win and a Cleveland Browns loss.

This piece will be updated throughout the day. Current standings are through the Thursday and Saturday games …

AFC: Who’s In

If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs.

No. 1: Baltimore Ravens

Record: 11–3, first, AFC North

The Ravens are playing on Christmas night on the road against the 49ers, before hosting the Dolphins and Steelers.

No. 2: Miami Dolphins

Record: 10–4, first, AFC East

Miami begins a tough three-game stretch to finish its season, hosting the Cowboys before visiting the Ravens, then finishing at Hard Rock Stadium against the Bills.

No. 3: Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 9–5, first, AFC West

The Chiefs host the Raiders on Christmas afternoon before welcoming in the Bengals on New Year’s Eve. They finish with the Chargers in Los Angeles.

No. 4: Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 8–6, first, AFC South

Jacksonville is trying to hold onto the AFC South. The Jaguars are tied with the Colts and Texans atop the division, and will take on the Buccaneers in the late window.

No. 5: Cleveland Browns

Record: 9–5, second, AFC North

Cleveland has a chance to win out. The Browns take on an injury-riddled Texans team Sunday before hosting the Jets on Thursday night. In Week 18, it’ll be Jake Browning and the Bengals in Cincinnati.

No. 6: Buffalo Bills

Record: 9–6, second, AFC East

The Bills are finally in control of a playoff spot. However, they’ll likely need to beat the Patriots and Dolphins over the season’s final two weeks if they’re going to reach the postseason.

No. 7: Indianapolis Colts

Record: 8–6, second, AFC South

Indianapolis is without Michael Pittman Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, making its date against the Falcons that much tougher. The last two weeks will see the Raiders and Texans come to Lucas Oil Stadium.

In the Hunt

Houston Texans (8–6): The Texans will host the Browns in a critical game for their playoff hopes, albeit without C.J. Stroud.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8–7): Pittsburgh gave itself a chance at the postseason by beating the Bengals, sweeping the season series.

Cincinnati Bengals (8–7): After losing to the Steelers, Cincinnati must beat the Chiefs and Browns to finish the season, and get help.

NFC: Who’s In

If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs:

No. 1: San Francisco 49ers

Record: 11–3, first, NFC West

The Niners have already wrapped up the NFC West. Now, they’re attempting to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That starts with a Christmas date facing the Ravens.

No. 2: Dallas Cowboys

Record: 10–4, first, NFC East

Dallas continues the stretch drive with the Dolphins on Christmas Eve, before coming home to take on the Lions. Finally, a trip to Washington D.C. for a Week 18 tilt with the Commanders.

No. 3: Detroit Lions

Record: 10–4, first, NFC North

If the Lions win on Christmas Eve, they’ll clinch the NFC North for the first time in their history, and their first divisional title since the old NFC Central 1993.

No. 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 7–7, first, NFC South

The Buccaneers can move closer to a third consecutive NFC South title with a win Sunday. Yet it won’t be easy, against a desperate Jaguars team which has lost three straight.

No. 5: Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 10–4, second, NFC East

Philadelphia will try to get off the schneid on Christmas. The Eagles have lost three straight and now play the Giants, whom they’ll see twice over the final three weeks of the regular season.

No. 6: Los Angeles Rams

Record: 8–7, second, NFC West

After beating the Saints, the Rams are now in a tremendous position. They likely only need one more win to reach the playoffs, and they’ll welcome in the Giants on New Year’s Eve.

No. 7: Minnesota Vikings

Record: 7–7, second, NFC North

Minnesota has hope, but a win over the Lions at Ford Field would do wonders for Nick Mullens & Co. The Vikings will also see Detroit in the season’s final week, with a home date against the Packers sandwiched in between.

In the Hunt

Seattle Seahawks (7–7): The Seahawks got an enormous win Monday night over the Eagles. Now, they must handle business with a three-game stretch against the Titans, Steelers and Cardinals.

New Orleans Saints (7–8): If New Orleans is going to make the playoffs, it must win out against the Buccaneers and Falcons to have any hope.

Atlanta Falcons (6–8): After a hideous loss to the Panthers, the Falcons likely need to win their final three games for a shot at the postseason.