The NFL playoffs are just around the corner, and though most New England fans seem to think the playoffs are just a formality this year, plenty of teams are still chasing that shiny Lombardi Trophy. With that in mind, here's a look at how the AFC playoff race is stacking up at this point in the season...
|
Seed
|
Team
|
Record
|
Div.
|
Conf.
|
|
1
|
New England Patriots*
|
14-0
|
5-0
|
11-0
|
|
2
|
Indianapolis Colts*
|
12-2
|
4-0
|
8-2
|
|
3
|
San Diego Chargers*
|
9-5
|
3-1
|
8-3
|
|
4
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
9-5
|
5-0
|
7-4
|
|
5
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
10-4
|
2-3
|
7-3
|
|
6
|
Cleveland Browns
|
9-5
|
3-2
|
7-4
|
|
--
|
Tennessee Titans
|
8-6
|
3-2
|
5-5
|
* - Clinched division title.
TIEBREAKERS:
- San Diego has the tiebreaker on Pittsburgh based on conference record.
I was going to include the Bills and Texans, both 7-7, on that list this week, but I've been looking for a scenario in which they qualify, and quite honestly, I can't find it. The Browns have a two-game lead and head-to-head tiebreakers on both of them. The only way either team gets through is if Pittsburgh slips up in its final two games and lets Cleveland take the AFC North -- and even then, Pittsburgh has a better conference record than both those teams.
Those Steelers, however, have taken a precipitous drop in the last two weeks. Not too long ago, they could have stolen a first-round bye from the Colts. Now, they're stuck in the #4 seed and need to win out just to stay there -- which could mean another visit from the Jaguars after New Year's. Maybe the Steelers will be out for blood in that one, but it's starting to look like Mike Tomlin's first season is ending not with a bang, but a whimper, not to mention an offensive line full of holes.
And what of the Chargers, who have now won four straight and are starting to appear dominant again? They've already beaten the Colts once, though they almost blew that one even after Peyton Manning threw about 37 interceptions. It's hard to imagine that they'll catch these Colts off-guard again. Then again, what if Tony Dungy decides to rest his starters for a couple of weeks? The Colts are locked into that #2 seed and have no meaningful games for three weeks. Would Dungy risk his team coming into the playoffs rusty again, like they did two years ago?
And how about those Jaguars, who just beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh? They proved they can win in cold weather. The real test for this team, though, may be repeating that in Foxborough -- and they may have to go through Pittsburgh again just for a chance at that.
The first-round byes may be locked in, but there's a lot of football left to be played here, folks.
THIS WEEK'S IMPACT GAMES (All Times Eastern):
- Pittsburgh Steelers @ St. Louis Rams (THU, 8:00 PM, NFLN). Point blank, the Steelers need a win. On the one hand, it's a good thing that they're playing a M*A*S*H unit, rather than a football team. On the other hand, that's a awfully quick turnaround after they beating they took on Sunday.
- Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (SUN, 1:00 PM, CBS). This battle of Ohio could clinch a playoff berth for Cleveland. If the Browns and Titans finish with the same record, the Browns win the conference record tiebreaker.
- Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars (SUN, 1:00 PM, CBS). This smells like Fred Taylor's victory lap. The Jaguars just need one more win at home, and there hasn't been any repeat of last year's December swoon here.
- Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers (MON, 8:00 PM, ESPN). The only thing the Broncos could realistically do here is force the Chargers into a playoff rematch against Jacksonville. Sounds like motivation enough to me!
- New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans (SUN, 4:15 PM, CBS). This could be the Titans' last gasp. They need help from the Bengals, and man, that's the last place you want to look for help, isn't it?
- Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts (SUN, 1:00 PM, CBS). If Tony Dungy is smart, he'll only rest his injured players. And double-team Mario Williams.
- Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (SUN, 4:15 PM, CBS). You don't suppose...? Nah. But maybe... Nah.
Bookmark this page and visit it every Tuesday at noon EST for the latest AFC playoff picture. Click here for the latest NFC playoff picture.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-18-2007 @ 3:49PM
FootballOnuts said...
I really don't think there is a Patriots fan out there that really thinks it's just a formality. The media is set on making this into something, they use the fans, the refs the weather or anything they can grab onto for a story. True or not. I'm sick to death of that spy gate thing, but the announcers will beat that dead horse for at least another year. Move on.... I'll dig out my Steve Grogan jersey for the next game. Go Pats.
Reply
12-18-2007 @ 4:00PM
Sandy said...
You're sick of cheating, FootballOnuts?
Me, too.
Reply
12-18-2007 @ 6:32PM
Joe said...
I am sick and tired of the bashing of Boston teams in general. We who are fans of Boston teams have waited a long time for the teams to have a great record and be successful. Before recently, the 1980s and the Celtics was the last team to look at least good. Despite all that, we the fans still stood by our teams. We did not always watch the games, but we are still fans. Look at how long we waited for the Red Sox to win a World Series. I am tired of the Boston bashers.
Reply
12-18-2007 @ 7:05PM
FootballOnuts said...
I hope next year the Patriots can find something else to be angry about. How about another season with no losses. I kinda like the word Dynasty. Hmmm kinda grows on you after awhile. Sooooo all you looooosers get used to it, the Pats are in the house and they are coming to your house soon to knock it down. GO Pats!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
12-18-2007 @ 8:33PM
brett favre lover said...
the packers are in the house too. and have a chance at playing them in the super bowl. either them or dallas. take your pick. either way the pats gotta go down. GO PACKERS.
Reply
12-19-2007 @ 1:17AM
pattibarrett753 said...
I am a SF49er fan who has watched our dynasty get toppled. It was awful to see Steve Young lying on the field motionless, but I hung in there. I am NOT a Raider fan, so I get so much satisfaction watching them lose.
That said, I love both Tom Brady's Patriots and Peyton Manning's Colts. Tom is having a terrific year! The football fans in the Bay Area are so proud as Tom grew up in the area.
But Peyton is my choice for....everything. He's a great QB (ok, he throws alot of INTS), but he finds ways to win. Maybe it's because he is the underdog when he's measured up against Tom Brady.
Reply
12-20-2007 @ 2:52AM
Moey said...
Patti
Before this year when Brady had no "superstar" receivers he could never match Peyton's numbers. Before Moss & Welker he was the underdog to Peyton and his crew. Even after three rings no one would openly admit to a Patriots dynasty until this season. No ring this year and Tom will be just like Peyton all the tools in the world and nothing to build.
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