Let’s begin with the end in mind, shall we?
The playoffs in the AFC will likely shake out like this:
NE, Pitt, SD/KC, Ind/Jax, Bal, NYJ
The likely scenario we should root for is: NE, Balt, Ind, KC, Pitt, NYJ. This would send the Jets to Indy, then Indy to Baltimore and the winner of KC/Pittsburgh to New England. That’s what we are hoping for.
How do we get there? Because of the complicated permutations for the playoffs, there are no more easy calls. It’s all confusing, and it all changes depending on what happens if the Colts win or lose today. Things will get clearer after today. We’ll do a complete playoff positioning piece tonight if the Colts win today.
Kansas City at Saint Louis
We need the Chiefs to lose a game in order to leap frog them, but we ALSO need San Diego to lose. For now, the safest bet is to keep pulling for the Chiefs to keep San Diego on the outside looking in.
Buffalo at Miami
The Colts slim wildcard hopes require a Miami loss. So let’s hope it comes today.
Houston at Titans
There still a crazy chance for a 3 way tie for the division at 8-8. I’m not sure it matters which of these teams wins this game, but let’s pull for the team we still play.
Saints at Ravens
The Colts’ slim wildcard hopes require the Ravens to lose out. IF the Colts win today, you can flip this and start rooting for the Ravens. We would LOVE to see the Ravens jump up and claim the two spot. However, a Colts’ loss means the Ravens MUST lose this game or Indy is eliminated.
Jets at Steelers
There’s still a longshot chance of the Colts grabbing the two seed (see the link to Shake’s article above). More importantly, if Pittsburgh drops below Baltimore and becomes a wildcard, it could work out beautifully (as long as we don’t get them in the first round). For now, pull for the Jets.
Denver at Oakland
Oakland doesn’t affect us directly until next week, but each game Oakland wins hurts the Patriots.
Green Bay at New England
Rodgers isn’t playing, so the Pats will win by 60. There’s no point in watching this game.
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