With four weeks to play in the 2009 regular season, two NFL teams have made it to the postseason, and four more can join them this weekend.
The Chargers get in with a win and three different combinations of events: (1) Ravens loss or tie, Steelers loss or tie, Jets loss or tie, and Dolphins loss or tie; (2) Ravens loss or tie, Steelers loss or tie, Jets loss or tie, and Patriots loss or tie; or (3) Ravens loss or tie, Steelers loss or tie, Jaguars tie, and Patriots loss. The Chargers also clinch with a tie, if the Ravens, Steelers, Jets, and Dolphins lose.
The Bengals win the AFC North by beating the Vikings, or it the Ravens and Steelers each lose. (Cincy also wins the division for the first time since 2005 with a tie and a Ravens loss or tie and a Pittsburgh loss or tie.)
The Vikings clinch the NFC North with a win over the Bengals and a Green Bay loss to the Bears. Minnesota also gets a playoff spot with a win, or with a tie and a Giants loss.
The Cardinals win the NFC West by beating the 49ers.
Also, the Colts can turn on top-seed cruise control with a win or a tie, a Bengals loss, and a Chargers loss, and the Saints get a first-round bye with a win or a tie, or with a Cowboys loss or tie, an Eagles loss or tie, and a Cardinals loss or tie.