NFL playoff picture: How the Seahawks can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16

One of the biggest games on the Week 16 slate kicks off the weekend, as the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks renew their NFC West rivalry.

Both teams enter the week with matching 11-3 records, but the Rams — who already clinched a playoff spot last week — currently hold a tiebreaker advantage over Seattle due to their win over the Seahawks earlier this season. That has the Rams atop both the division, and the NFC itself.

But here is how Seattle can join them in the playoffs this weekend.

Seattle Seahawks playoff berth clinching scenarios

Seattle has two pathways to clinching a playoff spot in Week 16.

The first comes on Thursday night. With a win or a tie against the Rams, Seattle is in the playoffs. That result would also propel the Seahawks to the top of both the NFC West, and the conference overall, putting Seattle into position for the bye during Wild Card Weekend.

However, even if the Seahawks lose on Thursday night, they can still clinch a playoff spot. If the Detroit Lions lose or tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon, then the Seahawks are guaranteed a playoff spot.

NFC standings entering Week 16

Here are the full NFC standings entering Week 16:

1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3) – x
2. Chicago Bears (10-4)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
5. Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
8. Detroit Lions (8-6)
9. Carolina Panthers (7-7)
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
11. Minnesota Vikings (6-8) – e
12. Atlanta Falcons (5-9) – e
13. New Orleans Saints (4-10) – e
14. Washington Commanders (4-10) – e
15. Arizona Cardinals (3-11) – e
16. New York Giants (2-12) – e

NFC West standings entering Week 16

And here are the NFC West standings:

1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3) – x
2. Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-11) – e