## NFL Playoff Picture: Six Season-Altering Outcomes from Week 16’s Sunday Games
The NFL playoff picture underwent a major shakeup on Sunday as several key games had far-reaching implications for the postseason. Here are six of the most season-altering outcomes from Week 16:
### Jacksonville Jaguars Clinch AFC South with Comeback Win
The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a stunning 20-16 comeback victory over the Tennessee Titans, securing their first AFC South title since 2017. Trevor Lawrence threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, while Josh Allen intercepted two passes, including one returned for a touchdown. The Jaguars (8-8) will host a Wild Card game in the playoffs.
### New York Jets Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Win over Seahawks
The New York Jets kept their playoff hopes alive with a 23-6 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Zach Wilson threw for 183 yards and a touchdown, while the Jets defense held Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense to just 252 total yards. The Jets (7-8) need to win their final game against the Miami Dolphins and hope for other results to go their way to qualify for the playoffs.
### Kansas City Chiefs Maintain Top Seed with Win over Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs remained the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 27-24 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. Patrick Mahomes threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, while Justin Tucker kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime. The Chiefs (13-3) will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
### Buffalo Bills Clinch AFC East with Win over Bengals
The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC East division title with a 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Josh Allen threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns, while the Bills defense held Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense to just 283 total yards. The Bills (12-3) will host a Divisional Round game in the playoffs.
### Baltimore Ravens Lose to Steelers, Playoff Hopes Dwindle
The Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes took a major hit with a 16-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lamar Jackson was held to just 179 yards passing and an interception, while the Steelers defense sacked him six times. The Ravens (10-5) now need to win their final game against the Bengals and hope for other results to go their way to make the playoffs.
### Dallas Cowboys Clinch NFC East with Win over Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys clinched the NFC East division title with a 40-34 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Dak Prescott threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, while Tony Pollard rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys (12-4) will host a Divisional Round game in the playoffs.
### Playoff Implications and Scenarios
The outcomes of these games have significant implications for the NFL playoff picture. The Jaguars, Jets, and Cowboys have all clinched their respective divisions, while the Chiefs and Bills have secured top seeds in their conferences. The Ravens, Bengals, and Dolphins are all still in contention for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC, while the Seahawks and Lions are still in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.
Here are some of the possible scenarios that could play out in Week 17:
* If the Ravens win and the Bengals lose, the Ravens will clinch the final Wild Card spot in the AFC.
* If the Bengals win and the Ravens lose, the Bengals will clinch the final Wild Card spot in the AFC.
* If the Dolphins win and the Ravens and Bengals lose, the Dolphins will clinch the final Wild Card spot in the AFC.
* If the Seahawks win and the Lions lose, the Seahawks will clinch the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.
* If the Lions win and the Seahawks lose, the Lions will clinch the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.
The NFL playoff picture is set to come down to the final week of the regular season, with several teams still vying for a chance to reach the postseason.