How The Patriots Can Clinch No. 1 Seed And Other Week 17 Playoff Scenarios In AFC
BOSTON (CBS) -- We're through 16 weeks of the NFL season, but there is still plenty to be decided when it comes to the AFC playoff picture.
It's pretty simple for the New England Patriots, but things get a little more difficult for the other teams in the AFC hunt. The Denver Broncos clinched a playoff spot with their overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, giving them a shot at a first-round bye and even the No. 1 seed. With the loss, the Bengals will have a much more difficult time securing a bye.
Here are the many different scenarios that could play out in Week 17 for the current playoff teams, and a few postseason hopefuls, in the AFC:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-3)
Week 17 @ Miami Dolphins (5-10)
The Patriots have already clinched a first-round bye, but can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win over the Dolphins in Miami OR a Broncos loss to the Chargers.
DENVER BRONCOS (11-4)
Week 17 vs. San Diego Chargers (4-11)
The Broncos currently sit in the No. 2 spot in the AFC, and can clinch a few things on Sunday:
-Denver can clinch home-field advantage with a win over San Diego AND a Patriots loss in Miami
-Denver can clinch a first-round bye with a win OR losses by both Cincinnati and Kansas City
-Denver can clinch the AFC West with a win OR loss by Kansas City
CINCINNATI BENGALS (11-4)
Week 17 vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-10)
The Bengals already claimed the AFC North but can clinch a first-round bye with a win over the Baltimore Ravens and a Denver loss OR a Kansas City win over Oakland and a Denver loss. They cannot clinch higher than the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
HOUSTON TEXANS (8-7)
Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10)
The Texans are leading the lowly AFC South and can clinch the division with a win over Jacksonville OR an Indianapolis loss to Tennessee.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-8)
Week 17 vs. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
The Colts need a lot to go their way in Week 17, but can clinch the AFC South if they beat Tennessee along with a Houston loss, a Cincinnati loss, a Denver win, a New York Jets loss, a New Orleans loss, a Miami win and a Pittsburgh win. Easy as pie, right?
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (10-5)
Week 17 vs. Oakland Raiders (7-8)
The Chiefs have clinched a playoff berth and currently sit as an AFC Wild Card team, but can clinch the AFC West with a win over Oakland AND a Denver loss to San Diego.
NEW YORK JETS (10-5)
Week 17 @ Buffalo Bills (7-8)
The Jets clinch a playoff berth in Week 17 with a win over Buffalo OR a Pittsburgh loss to Cleveland.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-6)
Week 17 @ Cleveland Browns (3-12)
The Steelers are currently on the outside looking in at a playoff spot, but can clinch a berth in Week 17 with a win over Cleveland AND a Jets loss in Buffalo.
CBS Sports' NFL Insider Will Brinson joined Johnston & Flynn (in for Toucher & Rich) on 98.5 The Sports Hub on Tuesday morning to break down Week 17 in the NFL:
Tune in to Sunday's Patriots-Dolphins tilt on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV -- the flagship stations of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage begins on 98.5FM at 10am with Patriots Preview, and on WBZ-TV at 11:30am with Patriots GameDay. Kickoff is set for 1pm, and following the game tune in to three hours of postgame coverage on the Sports Hub and switch over to myTV38 for Patriots 5th Quarter!
