The NFL playoff picture is nearly complete, with 11 of 14 berths already secured and the remaining three potentially clinched by Sunday, setting the stage for a possibly less competitive final week of the regular season.
Several NFL teams are on the verge of clinching playoff spots in Week 16, with key matchups involving the Seahawks, Lions, Packers, Bears, 49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Patriots, Bills, Chargers, and Jaguars determining their postseason fate.
The Detroit Lions have a chance to clinch a playoff spot this week with 16 different scenarios, including a win against the Broncos and losses or ties by other NFC teams. If the Lions tie the Broncos, there are nine additional scenarios that could secure their playoff berth. While they can't clinch the NFC North this week, a win against the Broncos and the Vikings next week would do the job. Currently, the Lions hold the third division leader spot in the NFC playoff picture.
Five MLB teams clinched their postseason berths in a span of 90 minutes, including the Marlins, Rangers, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, and Astros. The Marlins secured a wild card spot despite a negative run differential, while the Rangers ended their postseason drought since 2017. The Blue Jays earned a playoff berth after a win by the Mariners, and the Diamondbacks clinched a wild card spot after the Reds lost to the Cardinals. The Astros celebrated their seventh straight playoff appearance. Meanwhile, the Cubs and Mariners were eliminated, with the Mariners' catcher calling out ownership for not spending more on acquiring top players.