AFC Playoff Scenario: A look at on Broncos, Jets, Raiders, Titans, Bengals

As the NFL winds up the regular season, there’s so much issues to be settled with next week as the teams in the playoff are not complete yet. AFC Playoff Scenario is just much harder to grasp than in the NFC as many teams are still alive to contend in the Super Bowl 46.

Let’s start from top to bottom in the AFC. Yes, there’s so much changes taking place each week in the AFC. The teams are equally divided in power and players that it is quite obvious that so many teams are still hanging to be in the playoffs.

New England Patriots playoff scenarios

A win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday will give them the first seed regardless of other games.
A loss, a Baltimore win, a Pittsburgh win will give the Patriots the second seed. The Patriots, Ravens, and Steelers tied at 12-4. Tie Break goes to the Ravens.
A loss, a Baltimore loss, a Pittsburgh loss will give the Patriots the No 1 seed.

Baltimore Ravens playoff scenarios

A win over the Cincinnati Bengals -Ravens will get the AFC North title even if the a Steelers win
A win, a Patriots loss – Ravens get the No 1 seed in the AFC
A loss, a Pittsburgh win – Ravens will get a wildcard berth
A loss, a Pittsburgh loss – Ravens gets the AFC North title and the No2 Seed

Pittsburgh Steelers playoff scenarios

A win over the Cleveland Browns and a Baltimore loss and a Patriots loss – Steelers gets the AFC North and the No 1 Seed in the AFC
A win, a Baltimore win – Steelers will get a wildcard

Houston Texans Playoff scenarios

The Houston Texans will not be affected whatever happens in the remaining games. The Houston Texans will be the No 3 seed in the AFC. The scenario of the Texans getting tied with the Ravens and Steelers with identical 11-5 record will not be enough for the Texans to get the No 2. If this happens, the Ravens will get the No 2 seed because Ravens beat Steelers twice and Texans in Week 6. even if they lose, still they are No 3 because they are the division winner. Regardless of anything that transpires in Week 17, the Texans will not be shaken at No 3.

Denver Broncos Playoff scenario

Even though the Broncos suffered two consecutive defeats, they will win the AFC West if they outplay Kansas City. Thus, giving them the No 4 seed in the AFC. Another way for the Broncos to get it better is if the Raiders will lose, then the Broncos will be in whatever the results of their game against the Chiefs.

We have to understand that there’s a possibility that it will go to overtime and get a tie. If Denver and Kansas City tie, the Broncos will still be in if Raiders loses or ties.

Oakland Raiders Playoff scenario

The Oakland Raiders must win the game against San Diego Chargers. If Raiders win and Broncos lose, the Raiders win the AFC West giving them the fourth seed.
However, it will become complicated if Oakland wins and Denver wins. Thus, there are many teams going for 9-7 record. Now if Oakland and Denver will get the both the wins, then Denver will win the AFC West. However, the Raiders are not out yet as they can get the No 6 seed if these happens.

Bengals lose and Titans lose or tie
Bengals lose and the Jets win

New York Jets playoff scenario

The Jets are still alive but there are many things to fall in their favor. It is important to note that if the Jets beat Miami in Week 17, they are not in yet. The Jets will be in the playoffs if one of these things happens.

Bengals lose, Titans lose or tie, Raiders lose or tie
Bengals lose, Titans lose or tie, Brocos lose or tie

By looking at it, the Jets will be cheering for the Ravens, for Texans (not needing to win), Kansas City Chiefs and Raiders to lose. What is the probability? It would be tough for the Jets to be in the playoff this time with plenty of teams in the mix to give them the passage. Four teams must be defeated and they must beat the Dolphins?

Tennessee Titans Playoff Scenario

The Titans have a slim chance of getting into the wildcard. Beating Houston will be easier as the Texans do not need this game. However, the Titans need other teams help for them to be in the playoffs. One of the scenarios below will have to take place for the Titans to be in.

1. Bengals lose, Jets win, Raiders lose or tie
2. Bengals lose, Jets win, Broncos lose or tie
3. Bengals lose, Jets lose or tie, Raiders win, Broncos win

Cincinnati Bengals

The biggest chance of getting No 6 seed will be the Bengals. Even if they don’t win, still the Bengals will get No 6 if these things will happen:
Jets lose or tie and Raiders lose or tie
Jets lose or tie and Broncos lose or tie

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have, theoretically, the best chance at securing the #6 seed because they have a “win and in” scenario (though it does come against Baltimore). If Cincinnati beats Baltimore, or ties, they are in as the #6 seed.

Cincinnati can still make the playoffs with a loss if one of the following scenarios play out:

The Jets lose or tie and Oakland loses or ties
The Jets lose or tie and Denver loses or ties