It’s time: The final of the regular season is coming up! For many teams, Week 17 is about nothing anymore, but some are still fighting for their playoff ticket. Which scenarios are there in both conferences – and who will be coming into the postseason? SPOX gives an overview.
By beating Pittsburgh in a direct duel, New England (12-3) holds all the trumps over the Steelers (12-3). All the patriots have to do is win the home game against the jets in Week 17. Then the number 1 seed is in dry cloths and the Pats enjoy once again home advantage due to the AFC playoffs.
The same applies in the event that Patriots and Steelers (against Cleveland at home) draw and both lose. Pittsburgh should have a better record than New England after week 17 to pass. But at least the Steelers don’t have to look over their shoulders anymore because of the defeat of the Jaguars in Week 16 against the 49ers: Jacksonville (10-5) has as little chance for one of the two top seeds as Kansas City (9-6).
Even between the Jaguars and KC nothing can happen anymore: Jacksonville has a better conference record and thus definitely remains on the third seed, so that the Chiefs can’t shake on rank 4 any more.
The four division winners have already been determined in the AFC, but both wildcards are still open. Only two teams control their own destiny, the Tennessee Titans (8-7) and the Baltimore Ravens (9-6). For Baltimore (at home against Cincinnati) the way looks like this: A victory, and the Ravens are definitely there. Also, a draw or bankruptcy for the Bills and a draw or bankruptcy for Tennessee would be tantamount to a playoff ticket for Baltimore.
At Tennessee, the other scenarios aren’t as simple as they seem, but first of all it’s true: A win at home against Jacksonville and the Titans are definitely there. Other options: In the event of a draw, neither the Bills nor the Chargers are likely to win. If Bills and Chargers lose, the Titans are also safe from the playoff match.
So it is clear that the other two teams that are still in the race – the Buffalo Bills (8-7) and the Los Angeles Chargers (8-7) – need support. First of all, look at the Chargers: L. A. must win his home game against the Raiders, in addition neither the Titans nor the Bills OR alternatively the Ravens may win.
So the Chargers always need a Titans bankruptcy (or a Titan remis) and then either Buffalo or Baltimore without victory. If the Chargers draw, Tennessee must lose and Buffalo must not win.
The Bills (in Miami) could end their well-documented play-off thirst trail like this: their own victory and a Ravens bankruptcy. Or a personal victory while neither the Chargers nor the Titans win. Or a personal draw in the event of Chargers and Titans bankruptcy. The direct tie-breaker against L. A. the Bills can’t decide for themselves – the infamous Nathan Peterman game has ensured that L. A. the direct settlement against Buffalo.
Page 1: The AFC – Threat of tripping for the Patriots and Ravens, Chargers, Titans, Bills in the duel
Page 2: The NFC – Atlanta vs. the Seahawks in remote duel, Minnesota must win