Seven NFL teams can clinch playoff spots

Only the Green Bay Packers have punched their ticket to the playoffs as Week 16 of the National Football League season approaches. Seven teams, however, are in position to join them this week.

The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers can defeat the Carolina Panthers to get in this week, or watch the scoreboard instead.

The Bucs are also in with a Minnesota Vikings loss or tie, as well as one of the following: a Philadelphia Eagles loss or tie, Dallas Cowboys loss or tie, with the Cowboys clinching at least a tie in strength-of-victory tiebreaker over the Eagles.

The Buccaneers will clinch the NFC South title with a victory, or a New Orleans Saints loss or tie.

The Cowboys also can get into the playoffs with a victory or tie over the Washington Football Team. They also qualify with just a Saints loss or tie, or a San Francisco 49ers loss, or a Buccaneers victory or tie.

Two NFC West teams can also advance to the post-season, with the Arizona Cardinals needing a victory for a third consecutive week to punch their playoff ticket. The Cardinals can get in under no less than six other scenarios, even if they lose to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Los Angeles Rams can return to the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons with a victory over the Vikings. They also get in with an Eagles loss or tie, combined with a Saints loss or tie.

No teams in the AFC have clinched a playoff spot, but the Kansas City Chiefs get in with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers or a tie with one of the following: a Buffalo loss or a Colts loss or the Cincinnati Bengals-baltimore Colts game not ending in a tie.

The Chiefs can clinch the AFC West with a victory and a Los Angeles Chargers loss or tie, and also with a tie of their own and a Chargers loss.

The New England Patriots' road to an AFC East title, and the playoff berth that comes with it, is complete by earning a victory, as long as the Miami Dolphins lose to the Saints on Monday night.

The Patriots can also qualify for the playoffs with a victory over Buffalo on Sunday, along with a number of other loss/tie scenarios.

The Tennessee Titans can clinch the AFC South with a victory and a Colts loss.