NFL Playoff Scenarios: 5 Teams on the Verge of Clinching Spots

The Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans have all clinched spots in the postseason, but none of those clubs are locked into their current positions. 

This week, a variety of scenarios exist for these teams and others vying for spots in the playoffs that could lead to a clearer playoff picture. 

Let's check them out.   

Green Bay Packers

With a win or tie (stupid) over the Kansas City Chiefs or a San Francisco loss or tie, the Green Bay Packers will secure home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. 

I definitely don't want to play in Lambeau Field in the middle of January, that's for sure.

With Aaron Rodgers' distributing the ball to everyone except the water boy and that opportunistic defense, the Packers will undoubtedly have an advantage this postseason.  

New Orleans Saints

If the Saints beat the Vikings on Sunday and the Falcons lose at home to the Jaguars, New Orleans wins the NFC South. 

Although it's unlikely, a Saints tie and a Falcons loss would also win the division title for Sean Payton's club. 

That guarantees they'll host a playoff game inside the highlight manufacturing plant, which is known by many as the Superdome. 

You don't want to play him there, believe me. 

They haven't lost at home all season. 

New England Patriots

Things are more complicated for the Patriots. They can clinch either a wild card spot or the AFC East on Sunday.

For the AFC East crown they need: 

- A win over the Denver Tebows.

- A tie and a Jets loss.

- A Jets loss.

Actually, more simple than I initially thought.

For a wild card spot they need:

- A tie

- Either a Bengals loss or tie, a Raiders loss or tie, or a Titans loss or tie.

It may not happen this week, but the Patriots will win the division. They've got too much cushion and hold the tie-breaker over the Jets.

You'd think New England would be one of the most frightening teams to play at home in the playoffs, but remember, they've lost their last two postseason contests in Gillette Stadium.  

Baltimore Ravens

To keep it simple, here's what needs to occur for the Ravens to lock up a wild card spot. They obviously can't clinch the AFC North this weekend: 

(Keep in mind that only one of the following has to happen)

- A win over the Chargers.

- A Jets loss and a Raiders loss or tie.

- A Jets loss and a Titans loss or tie.

- A Raiders loss or tie and a Titans loss or tie.

This club finally has what it takes to make it to the Super Bowl. They swept the Steelers, their nemesis, have a balanced run-pass offense and a ferocious defense that's still maintaining a high level of play without Ray Lewis. 

Maybe they'll finally get a home playoff game for Joe Flacco and the Ravens fans. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers face a similar scenario to that of the Ravens to clinch a wild card spot, and actually, they have more possibilities. They'll need:

- A win or tie against the 49ers 

- A Raiders loss or tie 

- A Titans loss or tie 

- A Broncos loss

- A Jets loss

Another team that is primed for a Super Bowl run. Then again, everything clearly hinges on the ankle of Ben Roethlisberger. 

If he can plays, think about the type of playoff team Pittsburgh has. 

They've got a experienced and ultra-aggressive defense, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, a bruising runner no one wants to take in the cold weather and youthful speed in the receiving corps. 

Watch out.