Both of the NFL’s conferences seem to have most of their playoff teams already set. Seven teams have already clinched spots, leaving only seven more up for grabs. In the AFC, three of the four divisions are already locked in, with the fourth division leader already locking in a postseason berth.
Furthermore, in the AFC, the 7th-place Los Angeles Chargers have a two-game lead on the next-closest teams: Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati, which are all locked at 6-8. That makes this week’s Thursday Night Football game between the Chargers and the Denver Broncos — also in playoff position at 9-5 and in the #6 position — important in multiple ways.