Detroit Lions eliminated from playoffs, Saints and Panthers clinch

(AP) -- The NFL playoff picture got clearer after the early games, as the Detroit Lions were eliminated, the Saints and Panthers locked up spots; and the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC West again.

The Chargers stayed alive with a win over the Jets, 29-13. The Patriots remained in position for the top seed in the AFC with a 37-16 win over the Bills. Buffalo remains tied with the Chargers and Titans, who lost 27-23 to the Rams, for a wild-card spot.

Atlanta is out of the NFC South race, but can make it three division teams in the playoffs by beating Carolina next week. The Panthers secured a playoff spot Sunday with a 22-19 win over Tampa Bay.

The Chiefs won their third straight game, a 29-13 division-clinching win over Miami, which was eliminated officially.

The Bengals eliminated the Lions with a 26-17 victory.

The Browns remained on track for a winless season, losing 20-3 to Chicago.

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