Panthers, Patriots can clinch playoff spots in Week 12

Week 12 marks the first week of the 2015 season that includes the possibility of teams clinching playoff spots.

The Carolina Panthers already played - and won - in Week 12, and will need some help in order to clinch a postseason spot.

The Panthers can't lock up an NFC South title because they have two games remaining against the Atlanta Falcons, but they can clinch at least a wild-card berth with any of the following (assuming there are no ties):

• Seahawks and Buccaneers lose
• Seahawks and Falcons lose
• Buccaneers, Vikings, and Cardinals all lose

The New England Patriots can lock up a division title if the following happens (again, assuming no ties):

• Patriots win and Jets lose
• Jets and Bills lose

The Patriots can clinch at least a wild-card berth if any of the following happens:

• Patriots win and Chiefs lose
• Patriots win, Steelers and Bengals lose