The AFC playoff teams have been determined before the games even kickoff today for Week 17. It'll just be a matter of where the six teams are seeded after today's action. It's just crazy that heading into today's games, there are 10 games of 16 that have some sort of playoff implications involved.
Houston (12-3) visits Indianapolis (10-5) in hopes of ending their 0-10 record playing as the Texans on the Colts' home turf. The Colts will welcome back head coach Chuck Pagano from his battle with leukemia that has inspired his team in his first season. They've completely turned things around from 2011's 2-14 record and have secured the 5-seed in the AFC playoffs with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians leading the troops in Pagano's absense. Welcome back, Coach Pagano!
It's simple, folks. Indianapolis wins today vs. Houston and they'll drop the Texans out of the #1 seed. The Denver Broncos (12-3) are in the two-spot currently and if the Colts are to beat Houston, Denver could slide up into the one-seed. But, the only way that Denver would move up to the #1 slot is if New England (11-4) were to lose at home to Miami (7-8), which is highly unlikely with Tom Brady playing in "playoff mode" at this point.
Baltimore (10-5) is set in the four-seed, so it doesn't matter if the Ravens lose at Cincinnati today. Yes, it would give both 10-6 records, but Baltimore holds the tiebreaker with a 4-1 AFC North record, while the Bengals have gone just 2-3.
There are some intersting scenarios when it comes to breaking down the NFC playoff picture. Five teams have clinched playoff spots, but seeds aren't yet solidified until after tonight's key matchup when Dallas (8-7) visits Washington (9-6). If the Redskins beat Dallas, it obviously eliminates the Cowboys and Washington will solidly be the 4-seed and more than likely would host fifth-seeded Seattle next weekend in the Wild Card round.
Atlanta (13-2) is in the driver's seat as the one-seed as the NFC South champions and a lot is on Falcons' QB Matt Ryan's shoulders, as he's out to prove his critics wrong and start winning playoff games. Tampa Bay (6-9) comes to the Georgia Dome today just trying to give Atlanta one more headache before the playoffs.
Green Bay (11-4) is the #2 seed and has clinched the NFC North title with a solid two game edge over Chicago (9-6) and Minnesota (9-6). The Packers and Falcons have both clinched first-round byes. The Bears and Vikings are both fighting for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Chicago is in with a win at Detroit (4-11) and a Minnesota loss at home to Green Bay. If the Vikings win and the Bears win, Minnesota would get the nod because they have the best win percentage in divisional games in the NFC North.
Despite having a tie to their "half credit," San Francisco (10-4-1) has clinched a playoff spot, at the very least. All the 49ers have to do is beat the Arizona Cardinals (5-10) and they'll be the NFC West champs. If Seattle (10-5) beats St. Louis (7-7) at home today, the Seahawks will still have the five-seed for a Wild Card berth.
The New York Giants (8-7) have the toughest challenge to get in the playoffs. Tom Coughlin is usually up to a task like his Giants have today as they host the Philadelphia Eagles (4-11). A win by the Giants doesn't necessarily mean they'll slip into the Wild Card spot like last year, when they ultimately won the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. They'll have to rely on Washington knocking Dallas out of playoff contention in tonight's regular season ending Sunday night football game in Washington.
A lot of great NFL games today! I love football! Growing up a Bears fan, I want them to get a win today and sneak into the playoffs. Time to Beardown, Chicago!
I also am I Colts fan. Yes, some think that's weird, but whatever! Lucas Oil Stadium will be an amazing atmosphere today with head coach Chuck Pagano back on the sidelines after two and a half months of chemotherapy with his battle of leukemia. Welcome back, coach Pagano! Indianapolis, we are ColtsStrong and most importantly, ChuckStrong!
No comments:
Post a Comment