KC Chiefs clinch playoff berth with win over Steelers

If there’s anything we’ve learned this season as NFL fans, it’s to expect the unexpected. A lot of expectations have been turned upside-down in a rollercoaster of a season in which the vast majority of teams are still somehow in the postseason hunt even coming into Week 16.

That’s why we’re keen to see a playoff spot become official for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs can clinch an official postseason berth with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16. That might not sound like much, since not getting into the postseason would be a serious concern, but the Chiefs were there to start the year, and as streaky as this season has been, it’d be nice to win and get a playoff invite signed and sealed without any drama.

The K.C. Chiefs can go ahead and clinch a playoff spot on Sunday.

The Chiefs, Patriots, and Titans are the three teams in the AFC that can clinch an official playoff spot in Week 16. For the Chiefs, their path is the easiest since all they have to do is win, but that’s not the only way. Here are the ways in which the Chiefs can clinch a postseason berth.

1. A win over the Steelers
2. A tie with the Steelers and a loss by the Buffalo Bills OR Indianapolis Colts
3. A tie with the Steelers and the Ravens and Bengals do not finish in a tie

Basically, the Chiefs need just a single team to lose a game in Week 16 among either the Colts, Bills, Ravens, or Bengals (and to not lose themselves) in order to claim the spot.

There are still plenty of things to play for, including the top seed in the conference as well as the AFC West title. However, for now, it’s about getting in where it counts and the Chiefs can do that on Sunday.