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Jets playoff scenarios: How New York can clinch today

By Mike Dyce

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets logo prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets logo prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are how the New York Jets can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16 of the NFL season.

The New York Jets have had a successful first season under Todd Bowles and without quarterback Geno Smith, going 9-5 through 15 weeks of NFL action. Yet as successful as they were, they could still miss the 2015 NFL playoffs and that would be a huge blemish on the season.

But the Jets aren’t out of the mix yet. Now, can they clinch a playoff spot today? No. Can they take the driver’s seat and set themselves up to clinch in Week 17? Yes.

The unfortunate part for the Jets is that their playoff hopes aren’t in their hands at the moment. Heading into Week 16, the Jets are in a tie with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at 9-5 and fighting for the two Wild Card spots. The Chiefs get the nod over the Steelers and Jets for conference record and the Steelers get the nod over the Jets based on record in common games, leaving New York the odd man out.

Both the Chiefs and Steelers could clinch on Sunday, but mostly contingent on the Jets losing. if the Jets win, they’re still alive.

If the Chiefs and Steelers lose on Sunday, and the Jets were to win then they would move to 10-5 and a head of two 9-6 teams. That puts the Jets in position to clinch in Week 17. Either team losing though, coupled with a Jets win, moves them into a Wild Card spot.

Unfortunately the Jets play a New England Patriots team looking to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs on Sunday.

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