NFL Playoff Scenarios: Broncos, Colts can clinch this week

The calendar has moved to December, the month when teams begin that final push toward the NFL Playoffs. Yesterday, we took a look at the current playoff standings in the AFC, and how the Miami dolphins are positioned in their attempt to end a five year playoff drought. The thing we did not discuss however, were actual playoff clinching scenarios. It's still early in December, with a lot of football still to be played, but two teams can punch their tickets to the postseason tournament this upcoming weekend.

The first of those two are the Indianapolis Colts, who can clinch not just a playoff berth, but the AFC South division title. If Indianapolis wins their game at the Cleveland Browns, and the Houston Texans lose on the road in Jacksonville, the Colts will officially be crowned division champions for the second straight year, and for the ninth time in the 13 years of the division's existence.

The other team that can claim a postseason berth are the Denver Broncos, who will only guarantee themselves at least a Wildcard, with the division title still to be decided. Denver has two scenarios to claim their position:

1. Denver wins with losses from the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs, and a Houston loss or tie; OR

2. Denver wins, with losses from Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and the San Diego Chargers, a Houston loss or tie, and a Kansas City tie

No teams from the NFC are in position to clench a playoff berth.