How the Chiefs can (already) clinch a playoff spot in Week 13

Given that we're not even to Thanksgiving yet (technically speaking, of course), it feels a bit weird to already toss around the phrase "can clinch a playoff spot", but alas here we are. As it turns out, being 10-1 through a team's first 11 games is good for something.

The Kansas City Chiefs are sitting in the pole position for the top overall seed in their conference for the postseason and hold the best overall record in the National Football League. Thus, it shouldn't be all that surprising that the team is mentioned in the first round of potential playoff scenarios—even as early as they are this year.

Heading into Week 13, the Chiefs can actually clinch a playoff spot already and it's not all that hard when you lay out the parameters. Only two other teams can check the same box this week—the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions—although the former has a much easier way forward than the latter. It's just a matter of how convoluted things get when you look at the NFC picture.

There are four official paths to being "in" the playoffs this week for the Chiefs.

How the Chiefs can clinch a playoff spot in Week 13

1. The Chiefs beat the Raiders on Black Friday and then watch the Miami Dolphins lose to or tie the Packers.

2. The Chiefs beat the Raiders on Black Friday and then watch the Denver Broncos lose to the Browns on Monday night.

3. The Chiefs beat the Raiders on Black Friday and then watch the Chargers lose to the Falcons or the Broncos and Browns tie.

4. The Chiefs tie the Raiders and the Broncos lose outright.