The NFL Week 16 schedule saw multiple teams clinch playoff spots with the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings punching their tickets to the postseason.
The Carolina Panthers finally lost to end their chances at being undefeated this season, while the Jets won over the Patriots in dramatic fashion and are in position to make the playoffs. There is still another big game in Week 16 left to go, as the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals are playing on Monday night football and that game will be big for the AFC playoff picture and seeding.
Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings clinch playoff spots
The Chiefs and Vikings both clinched spots for the playoffs with wins on Sunday and both teams are still alive in their respective division races. The Packers lost on Sunday and the Broncos play the Bengals on Monday, leaving the AFC West and NFC North still undecided. The Vikings trampled the Giants to get into the postseason, while the Chiefs continued their winning ways with a ninth straight win after beating the Browns.
The Carolina Panthers lose, undefeated streak ends at 14-0
The Carolina Panthers took on the Atlanta Falcons for the second time this season and after blowing out the team last time around, the Falcons got some revenge. The Panthers are now 14-1 and remain the top seed in the NFC and the loss could mean the team rests some starters next week, although the number one overall seed is not clinched yet with the Cardinals winning in Week 16. The Cards are 13-2 this season, while the Panthers are 14-1 heading into Week 17.
The Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals battle on Monday night
The Broncos and Bengals will play on Monday night and the matchup is a big one in the AFC, as both teams are battling for position. The Broncos could go anywhere from the top seed in the conference to out of the playoffs depending on how the next two games go, as they have a head to head loss to the Steelers. The Bengals have clinched the AFC North, but they have a chance for the top overall seed.
Jets beat the Patriots in overtime
The Jets put themselves in playoff position with a win over the Patriots and now the team has the chance to make it as a wild card. The Steelers lost and now the Jets can clinch a spot with a win next week.
Arizona Cardinals clinch a first round bye
The Cardinals are looking like a strong team in the NFC right behind the Panthers and they now have clinched a first round bye. Carson Palmer has put up MVP numbers and David Johnson is a breakout candidate for rookie of the year.