2013 NFL Playoff Scenarios

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

In one week, the “Road to MetLife Stadium” hits the playoffs. Starting with the Wild Card round next week, the top 12 teams in the NFL will vie for a spot in the Super Bowl, hosted by MetLife Stadium. Whether your team is involved or not, if you love football, this is a great time of the season.

What is making THIS one great, is that most of the teams that are in the playoffs haven’t clinched their seed yet. So, we thought it would a good time to give you all in one place, a viewing guide to understand all of the playoff scenarios. There is nothing extra to click on, it is all right here, starting with the AFC:

BRONCOS: The Broncos have clinched their division title. Their scenario is very simple, they clinch home field throughout the playoffs with a win or tie, or a Patriots’ loss or tie.

PATRIOTS: New England is the AFC East champion. They clinch a first round bye with a win or tie, or with both a Bengals’ and Colts’ loss or tie. They can also clinch the number one seed with a win and a Broncos’ loss.

BENGALS: The Bengals are currently the third seed. They can move up and clinch a first round bye with a win and a Patriots’ loss.

COLTS: Currently the fourth seed, the Colts can clinch a first round bye with a win, a Patriots’ loss, and a Bengals’ loss or tie.

CHIEFS: The Chiefs are locked in at the fifth seed.

Now with the sixth seed, here is where it gets a little crazy:

DOLPHINS: The Fish can earn the sixth seed with a win and one of the following: a Chargers’ win, or a Ravens’ loss or tie. They can also back in with a tie, combined with a Ravens’ loss and a Chargers’ loss or tie, or a Ravens’ tie and a Chargers’ tie.

RAVENS: The Ravens are the sixth seed if they win, combined with either a Dolphins’ or a Chargers’ loss or tie. If the Ravens tie, they can get in with a Miami loss and a Chargers’ loss or tie. They can also get in with a tie along with a tie by the Dolphins’ and a Chargers’ loss. They can also get in without their game making a difference if the Dolphins lose, the Chargers lose, or the Steelers lose or tie.

CHARGERS: The Chargers can make the tournament with a win and a Ravens’ and Dolphins’ loss or tie. If the Chargers tie, they get in if both the Ravens and Dolphins lose.

STEELERS: Pittsburgh can get in with a win, and loss by the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers.

The NFC is a bit more straightforward, see the next page.

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

And now, for the NFC:

SEAHAWKS: The Seahawks clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win or tie, or a 49ers’ win or tie.

PANTHERS: The Panthers clinch their division and the two seed with a win or tie, or a Saints’ loss or tie. They can clinch home field throughout the playoffs with a win, a Seattle loss and a 49ers’ win.

EAGLES: Chip Kelly’s squad clinches the NFC East and a playoff berth with a win or tie.

BEARS: The Bears clinch the NFC North and a playoff berth with a win or tie.

49ERS: The 49ers clinch the NFC West and a first round bye with a win and a Seattle loss. They still can clinch the number one seed with a win, a Seattle loss, and a Carolina loss or tie.

SAINTS: The Saints clinch a playoff berth with a win, a tie and a Cardinals’ loss or tie, or a Cardinals’ loss. They clinch the NFC South and a first round bye with a win and a Panthers’ loss.

CARDINALS: Arizona clinches a playoff berth with a win and a loss or tie by the Saints, or with a tie and a Saints’ loss.

COWBOYS: The ‘Boys clinch the NFC East and a playoff berth with a win.

PACKERS: The Pack clinch the NFC North and a playoff berth with a win.

Hope that helps. Enjoy the day!