AFC
Key Takeaways:
The Patriots are definitely winning their division, and definitely getting a bye. Only question for them will be if they can get the #1 seed. Their path to the #1 seed becomes a lot easier of the Chiefs beat Oakland on Sunday, as the margin for error for New England grows. As you can see, I don't have the Chiefs beating Oakland...
The AFC North and West have some key games. The AFC North title will probably just come down to who wins the Baltimore @ Pittsburgh game. I have that going to Pittsburgh, and them accordingly winning the division. I would want it to be Baltimore, but it would be tough. If the Ravens happen to shock New England, they still have a path to the division with the loss.
As for the West, there is a lot still left to play, but if the Raiders beat Kansas City, they are close to a lock. They still have tricky games left on the schedule, but it is hard to foresee either Denver or KC running the table. I do think Oakland will win (more on that later).
With the AFC South, the biggest game is next week, with teh Texans going to Indianapolis. The Texans have the easiest schedule left, but to me are the worst of teh three teams. I think the Colts will that game and rightfully win the division.
NFC
Key Takeaways:
The NFC East will get at least two teams in teh playoffs unless the Giants collapse. I don't think they do, and I think they get the #5 seed, albeit a very underwhelming one. I do have the Redskins sneaking in a tight race for that #6 seed, where teams like Arizona and Tampa bay are very much in play.
The Buccaneers may be better than the Falcons, but their schedule is far tougher and with that I think they have a disappointing finish and miss the playoffs. The Falcons can sleep walk to the division title if the Buccaneers fade as I'm expecting.
The North may not come down to the Week 17 game in Detroit, which I'm sure every Lions fan is hoping. If the Packers lose to Seattle, and if the Lions take care of business in two winnable games the next two weeks, they are set free. They can also be helped by the Cowboys sitting players if they are in position. In the end, I think making up a 2-game gap in four weeks is just a little too much, and the Packers similarly end up outside the Wild Card picture.
The West is a bore now. Only real question is if the Cardinals can make a crazy push to the playoffs. We often think of a team getting a tie be free of tiebreaker scenarios, but that win against the Redskins may come in handy. Similarly, the Seahawks may be locked into the #2 seed come Week 16 and gift the Cardinals a win.
Playoff Projections
AFC
Wild Card:
(6) Broncos @ (3) Steelers
(5) Chiefs @ (4) Colts
Byes:
(2) Patriots, (1) Raiders
NFC
Wild Card:
(6) Redskins @ (3) Falcons
(5) Giants @ (4) Lions
Byes:
(2) Seahawks, (1) Cowboys
Looking Ahead to Next Week's Games
16.) New York Jets (3-9) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-11) (4:05 - CBS)
15.) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-12) (1:00 - CBS)
14.) Minnesota Vikings (6-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) (1:00 - FOX)
13.) Chicago Bears (3-9) @ Detroit Lions (8-4) (1:00 - FOX)
12.) Atlanta Falcons (7-5) @ Los Angeles Rams (4-8) (4:25 - FOX)
11.) San Diego Chargers (5-7) @ Carolina Panthers (4-8) (1:00 - CBS)
10.) Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) @ Miami Dolphins (7-5) (1:00 - FOX)
9.) Washington Redskins (6-5-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) (1:00 - FOX)
8.) New Orleans Saints (5-7) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) (1:00 - FOX)
7.) Denver Broncos (8-4) @ Tennessee Titans (6-6) (1:00 - CBS)
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) @ Buffalo Bills (6-6) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) Dallas Cowboys (11-1) @ New York Giants (8-4) (4:25 - FOX)
4.) Houston Texans (6-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-6) (1:00 - CBS)
3.) Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1) @ Green Bay Packers (6-6) (4:25 - FOX)
2.) Baltimore Ravens (7-5) @ New England Patriots (10-2) (MNF - ESPN)
1.) Oakland Raiders (10-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) (TNF - NBC)
