the rest of the afc
The Kansas City Chiefs have won the AFC West; they’re in.
The Baltimore Ravens have won the AFC North; they’re in. The Ravens can clinch a first-round bye if they win or tie against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, or if the Chiefs win or tie, or the New England Patriots simply lose.
The Ravens can also clinch home-field advantage with a win, or a tie plus a Patriots loss or tie, or a Chiefs loss or tie plus a Patriots loss.
Speaking of the Patriots, all they have done is simply clinch a playoff berth as the AFC East is still technically up for grabs. The Buffalo Bills have also clinched a playoff berth. This is why their Saturday at 3:30 p.m. CT matchup on NFL Network is so consequential.
If New England wins, they win the division.
If New England wins plus the Chiefs lose or tie, or the Patriots tie and the Chiefs loss, the Patriots will get a first-round bye.