NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Vikings, Steelers, Texans have paths to clinch

With just one game down in Week 15, one NFL team's clinching scenario is already off the table.

A tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night would have kept alive the possibility that the Green Bay Packers could make their way into the postseason field on Sunday, but the Rams' win ensured that Green Bay will be waiting at least another week. The outcome also removed one route for the Minnesota Vikings to secure a spot, though the team can still wrap up a berth Sunday. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles — the latter of which is already in the field — can claim division titles this week, while the Pittsburgh Steelers can also clinch a spot.

Here are the playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15:

Houston Texans

• Clinch AFC South with:

  • Texans win + Colts loss

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Clinch playoff berth with:

  • Steelers win or tie

  • Dolphins loss or tie + Colts loss or tie

Minnesota Vikings

• Clinch playoff berth with:

  • Vikings win or tie

  • Seahawks loss or tie

Philadelphia Eagles

• Clinch NFC East with:

  • Eagles win + Commanders loss or tie

  • Eagles tie + Commanders loss

NFL teams that have clinched playoff spots

• Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West champ

• Buffalo Bills: AFC East champ

• Detroit Lions: Playoff berth

• Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff berth

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL playoff scenarios Week 15: Which teams can clinch Sunday?