Chiefs playoff scenarios: What’s at stake vs Texans in Week 15?

The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty at stake against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon, as they can clinch the division and a playoff spot.

The Texans are 1-11-1, and have very little reason to put forth their best effort against a Kansas City team which would likely defeat them anyway.

The NFL Draft order technically is not decided, but Houston has an edge for the No. 1 overall pick, and perhaps a chance at Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young or Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud. Losing out — or at least ensuring their draft slot is ensured — makes all the sense in the world.

As for Kansas City, the team is still chasing the Buffalo Bills atop the AFC for the No. 1 spot, and can clinch the AFC West division on Sunday with a victory.

How the Chiefs can clinch the AFC West

Kansas City has plenty of leeway to clinch the AFC West. Patrick Mahomes and Co. will want to rebound after a very close game against the Denver Broncos, in which they almost blew a 27-point lead. A Russell Wilson injury may have saved the Chiefs from a humiliating defeat.

With that in mind, here is how the Chiefs can clinch the AFC West on Sunday:

• Defeat the Houston Texas
• Chargers lose to the Titans OR
• Chiefs tie and Chargers tie

How the Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth

If the Chiefs clinch the AFC West with a win over the Houston Texans, then they also clinch a playoff berth. That’s how the NFL — and professional sports for that matter — work. But if they were to shockingly lose to Houston, they can still get into the postseason, thus putting off their AFC West quest for another week.

Here’s how the Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth:

• KC tie, Jets tie and Patriots loss OR
• KC tie, Dolphins loss, Patriots loss and Jets tie OR
• KC tie, Dolphins loss, Jets loss and Patriots tie

Yes, that was all very specific. In short — Kansas City is very close to clinching a spot in the 2022-23 postseason. In all likelihood, that’ll come this week.