Playoffs?!?

Will won't write about the wild card race, though it's more relevant to his team, so I guess I will.

So far, we have this:

5. Denver, 8-4 (6-3)
6. Jacksonville, 7-5 (6-2)
7. Baltimore, 6-6 (6-4)
8. Miami, 6-6 (4-4)
9. New York Jokes, 6-6 (5-5)
10. Pittsburgh, 6-6 (4-5)

Indy can clinch top AFC seed with 2 wins, San Diego or Cincinnati can clinch the 2nd seed by going 3-1, as long as one of those wins is against the other team. New England can clinch the division by... winning out.

Now it gets somewhat tricky. Denver is assured a spot if they go 3-1. While they play Indy and Philly, they have games at home against the Chiefs and Raiders. This season isn't locked up just yet, but it's close.

Jacksonville has perhaps the hardest schedule down the stretch. 3 playoff teams in a row: Miami, Indy, New England. Then the Browns. 1-3 is a very real possibility. That first game is the key. Win that, and it's possible to make the postseason at 9-7 and give either SD or CIN an easy first round win.

Baltimore is in a decent position. 3 of their games are easy: Detroit, Chicago, Oakland (don't give me that 'they beat the Steelers' crap; just don't give them any motivation). The game against the Steelers decides how their season ends up. If Pittsburgh continues its collapse, and especially if Dixon starts again, the Ravens could have the easiest remaining sked of anyone.

Miami, as mentioned before, needs to beat the Jags to have a prayer. 3 games against the "lesser" AFC South teams, then end the season at home against the Steelers. It's very possible that game determines the 6th seed in the AFC. Just as easily could go 1-3. No clue on this team.

New York. Needs to win out to make it, and get some help. Nothing else to say.

Pittsburgh. Ah, the Steelers. The cockroach of the NFL. Just when you think it's all over for them, they turn around and pull together a winning streak. They play the Browns in like 3 minutes, and despite injuries it'll be an easy win. Next, the Packers at home, which is likely their hardest remaining game. Then the Ravens. End the season with Miami. Polamalu is due back against GB, which is bad news for any other team. If the Steelers don't win out, they're toast. 7-5 in the AFC is their best possible, and the Jags will most likely achieve 8-4. I fully expect this team to make the playoffs.

Prediction:

5. Pittsburgh (10-6, 7-5)
6. Denver (10-6, 8-4) [head to head tiebreaker]
7. Jacksonville (9-7, 8-4)
8. Baltimore (9-7, 7-5)
9. Miami (8-8, 6-6)
10. Who cares.

- Matt