Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Weekend Kickoff: NFL playoff berths hinge on Cardinals-Dolphins game

The Raiders, Patriots and Seahawks can clinch playoff spots this weekend. But all three won’t secure postseason berths because their scenarios hinge on Sunday’s Cardinals-Dolphins game (1 p.m. ET, Fox).

If the Raiders (10-2) beat the Chiefs (9-3) on Thursday (8:25 p.m., NBC, NFL Network, Twitter), they can clinch a playoff spot if the Cardinals (5-6-1) beat the Dolphins (7-5). The Patriots (10-2) also punch their playoff ticket with a Dolphins loss and a New England win over the Ravens (7-5) on Monday (8:30 p.m., ESPN).

The Seahawks (8-3-1) will be rooting for a Dolphins win, however, because a Cardinals loss coupled with a Seattle win at 6-6 Green Bay (Sunday, 4:25 p.