From a glance, it looks like everything is set in stone for the AFC playoffs, with all the spots being clinched already. However, what we don't know is who will be where and, most importantly, what the Steelers' path will be to Super Bowl LI. Here's what we know so far:
- Steelers clinched the #3 seed and a Wildcard home game
- Texans clinched the #4 seed and a Wildcard home game
Everything else is essentially fair game. If the season ended last night, the Steelers would be playing the Dolphins at home without Ryan Tannehill and then would play the Derek Carr-less Raiders on the road. This is my favorite path since we'd be playing two teams with backup quarterbacks. What we would need for that to happen is the Patriots, Raiders, and Chiefs all winning next weekend, which is likely since they all have favorable matchups.
But with a Raiders win and a Patriots loss, the Steelers would suddenly look a lot different.... and difficult. But hey, why not get the toughest game out of the way and then have smooth sailing in the AFC Championship?
Even if the Patriots do win, it's not a guarantee we play the Raiders in the divisional round. With a Chiefs win and a Raiders loss, the Chiefs would then clinch the AFC West and bump up to the #2 seed and demote Oakland down to the #5 spot. Granted Arrowhead Stadium is a pretty difficult place to play in when it's rocking, but I have no doubts we could beat Kansas City again after smocking them worse than a slab of ribs. Plus, being a Kansas City resident myself, I'd love to rub it in for the six months
Now, let's focus on short-term. The only possible teams we'll be playing in the Wildcard is Kansas City. If both KC and Miami wins, the Steelers are handed a chance to avenge their regular season loss against the Dolphins. However, if Kansas City wins (assuming Oakland clinches the West) and Miami loses, we got that Kansas City game a week earlier. But if Kansas City wins and Oakland loses, we are automatically playing the Dolphins.
Hopefully I didn't make things too complicated. No matter what, I like our chances of making it to Houston.
ManO, solid breakdown.
My personal preference is to play the Dolphins. I think the Steelers have the best chance to win against them, even though Miami beat us earlier in the year. That was the game in which Ben was knocked out of and the defense let Miami run for over 200 yards. This is a different Steelers team now. I wouldn't mind playing the Chiefs, but you are right, KC is on a roll right now. KC is a tougher matchup for Pittsburgh.
Miami's Week 17 opponent is New England. The Patriots are still playing for home-field advantage. Thus, I believe they will go full bore and try to win. I can see them beating the Dolphins. KC is at San Diego and Oakland is at Denver. Both games could go either way, but I'd say KC has a greater chance of beating San Diego (who is awful!) than Oakland winning at Denver (because Carr is out). Denver isn't playing for anything, but I bet they crave the opportunity to prevent the Raiders from winning the division.
I'm not going to hope for one outcome or another because I don't care and they are out of my control.I'm just thankful the Steelers are in the playoffs!!
