Seahawks can clinch division with win over 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks were the first team to clinch an NFL postseason spot after defeating the Saints on Monday night.

But as the NFL announced Tuesday afternoon, the Seahawks can take it one step further this week against the 49ers. If Seattle wins or ties, then it will lock of the NFC West title and earn a first-round by in the playoffs.

Other playoff scenarios:

The Saints can clinch a playoff spot with two scenarios. The first is by defeating the Panthers and having the Eagles lose or tie, the Cowboys lose or tie and the Cardinals lose. The second is by beating the Panthers and having the Eagles lose or tie, the Cowboys lose or tie, the 49ers lose and the Cardinals tie.

The Panthers can clinch a playoff spot by defeating the Saints and having the Eagles lose or tie, the Cowboys lose or tie, the 49ers lose and the Cardinals lose.

The Patriots can clinch a postseason berth with a win over the Browns combined with a loss or tie from the Ravens. They can also clinch with a tie against the Browns and a loss from the Ravens. The Patriots can clinch the AFC East division by beating the Browns and having Miami lose or tie. They can also clinch with a tie against the Browns and a loss from the Dolphins.

The Broncos clinch a postseason spot with a win or tie against the Titans this week. If Denver loses, it can still clinch with either the Dolphins losing or tying or the Ravens losing or tying.

The Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth this week with a win over Washington and a Miami loss or tie, or with a win and a Baltimore loss or tie. They can also clinch by tying the Redskins and having either the Ravens or Dolphins lose.

If the Colts defeat the Bengals this week then they lock up the AFC South title and clinch a playoff perth in the process. If the Colts lose, they can still clinch the AFC South title with a Broncos win over the Titans. If both Indianapolis and Tennessee tie, then the Colts clinch the division as well.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.