Think the NFL's postseason possibilities computer is working overtime? You bet.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, it's possible that 11 teams could all finish at 9-7 and tie for the best record in the AFC. There needs to be a little divine intervention -- what is the likelihood that Tennessee will lose to both Jacksonville and Houston, or that the Jets will beat both New England and Green Bay -- but it's still possible.
And we don't even want to get into the Pittsburgh probabilities, thanks to that tie. But if the Steelers lose twice (they play Tampa Bay and Baltimore), they could go 8-7-1 and be on the outside looking in.
With that in mind, ESPN.com looked at the possibilities and renders some thoughts on what it might all mean.
|
Team
|
Week 16
|
Week 17
|
Div.*
|
Notes
|
Miami
Now: 9-6
|
(Lost to Vikes)
|
L-Patriots
|
2-4
|
Dolphins lost to Vikings Saturday, which keeps the scenario possible.
|
New England
Now: 8-6
|
L-Jets
|
D-Dolphins
|
4-2
|
If Patriots lose to Jets, is there any reason to think they can beat Miami?
|
N.Y. Jets
Now: 7-7
|
D-Patriots
|
D-Packers
|
4-2
|
Toughest final two games in division -- and Jets need to win both.
|
Buffalo
Now: 7-7
|
D-Packers
|
D-Bengals
|
2-4
|
No chance to help themselves in division, which may cost them playoffs no matter what happens.
|
Cleveland**
Now: 7-7
|
D-Ravens
|
D-Falcons
|
3-3
|
Lost to Ravens at home earlier in season; must-win this week.
|
Baltimore**
Now: 7-7
|
D-Browns
|
D-Steelers
|
5-1
|
Won three out of four -- and has a great division record if it comes to that.
|
Indianapolis
Now: 9-5
|
L-Giants
|
L-Jaguars
|
3-3
|
Unlikely to lose to both Giants and Jags, but ... Colts don't own tiebreaker over Titans if it comes to that.
|
Tennessee
Now: 9-5
|
L-Jaguars
|
L-Texans
|
4-2
|
Three straight wins could easily become five straight. If that happens, home field could follow.
|
Oakland
Now: 9-5
|
L-Broncos
|
L-Chiefs
|
2-4
|
The AFC West leaders could be out with a pair of losses.
|
San Diego
Now: 8-6
|
L-Chiefs
|
D-Seahawks
|
4-2
|
Lost five of seven; if they lose to Chiefs, will need to end skid at home vs. Seattle.
|
Denver
Now: 8-6
|
D-Raiders
|
L-Cardinals
|
4-2
|
Solid division record could pay off in a jumbled race.
|
Kansas City
Now: 7-7
|
D-Chargers
|
D-Raiders
|
3-3
|
Beating the Raiders and Chargers? A healthy Priest Holmes is vital.
|
* Division record should the scenario play out.
** Winner of the Cleveland/Baltimore game can still finish 9-7. The loser can't.
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