How the KC Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16

The path to an official playoff berth and division title for the Chiefs is pretty straightforward at this point.

The Kansas City Chiefs aren't as high in the pecking order of the conference as they'd like after suffering frustrating (and preventable) losses to lesser teams earlier this season. Most of the time, in fact, the Chiefs have lost because they've shot themselves in the foot more than they've been outplayed by their opponents. That said, all a team needs is a shot and the Chiefs are definitely in sight of that.

While the battle for the top seed wages on in a competitive field in the AFC, the Chiefs actually have a very clear path to clinch a playoff berth—the one thing that matters most for every team despite the longing to win with style points or plenty of margin.

If the Chiefs want to punch their playoff ticket early and alleviate any fears of perhaps falling from grace, all they have to do is beat the Raiders in Week 16. The Chiefs host Las Vegas on Christmas Day, so Chiefs Kingdom could enjoy another present on the holiday in the form of a guaranteed postseason appearance with a win.

The Chiefs also clinch the AFC West in the case of a win, but it's also possible that if the Broncos lose in Week 16, the Chiefs could actually tie the Raiders and still be okay. A win and they're in but also a tie to be fine if the Broncos can't keep up. The Broncos, by the way, host the New England Patriots in primetime on Sunday Night Football.