At the start of Week 15, only Dallas had clinched a playoff berth in the NFL. Seattle joined the party with a Thursday night victory over the Los Angeles Rams, clinching the NFC West title.
And by the time Sunday’s games have concluded with Dallas playing host to Tampa Bay in prime time, half of the 12-team playoff field may be filled. While Dallas and Seattle are in, five teams are in play for four additional playoff spots that could be claimed this weekend.
For New England, Kansas City, and Oakland, qualifying for Roger Goodell’s January party is as easy as winning on Sunday.