Chiefs Playoff Scenarios: Kansas City Needs To Win, Get Help To Secure Top Seed In Week 16

Even after their primetime home setback against the Los Angeles Chargers (11-3) last Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) control their own destiny when it comes to grabbing the AFC’s top playoff seed. They could even get it in Week 16, though it would require a bit of luck.

In order to secure homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs by this weekend, the Chiefs need to beat the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) on the road, first and foremost. The Chiefs are slight road favorites in that game. The point is moot if the Seahawks win; the Chiefs do not have any clinching scenarios in Week 16 that include a loss.

If the Chiefs win and the Chargers lose to the Baltimore Ravens (8-6), Kansas City secures the AFC West and the No. 2 seed, at worst. If both of those things happen and the Houston Texans (10-4) lose on the road to the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7), the road to the Super Bowl goes through Arrowhead Stadium.

The Eagles are favored over Houston, so the Ravens beating the Chargers would be the only upset in that scenario. Even so, the Chargers are only 4.5-point favorites at home.

Failing a Ravens upset, the Chiefs would still be fine. If Kansas City beats Seattle and then takes care of business at home against the Oakland Raiders (3-11) to finish the year, the Chiefs will be the top seed.