AFC Playoff Watch

[Ravenskid2085]

What really stinks this year is Denver and Kansas City being in the same division, pretty much leaving one wild card spot open. The way we played today, I still think we have a chance to take this division, let alone earning a wild card berth. The Browns and Bengals are no better than we are. That being said, we really need to see some consistent play out of this team. If we can play the way we did in the first half against Cincinnati (and maybe get the running game going a little bit), we have a chance to make some noise. That's a big if though. 

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

as it looks at the moment a 9-7 record will most probably win the division and most definite seal the 6th seed

[JEEPercreepermd]

That win put us right back into it. Unfortunately with this Oline, it will be extremely tough

[funky141]

We got lucky with the Titans, Colts, Chargers & Raiders losing today. I'm not one to wish other teams to do horrible but they're loses help our chances a lot.

 that's the truth...

[PerpetuallyBored74]

I'd have more confidence in our chances if I had more confidence in our coaches.

As it is, I don't.

If anything, IMO they're the weakest link on this team.

Which means we can't beat teams with competent coaching; we can only--just barely--beat teams with Marvin Lewis level coaching.

[Gtown Purple]

We need to get some wins before we start talking playoffs.

[1/28/01]

as it looks at the moment a 9-7 record will most probably win the division and most definite seal the 6th seed

That would be 4th seed then. No chance 9-7 takes wild card (5th or 6th seed).

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

That would be 4th seed then. No chance 9-7 takes wild card (5th or 6th seed).

well 5th seed's out of reach with KC being 9-0 and Denver at 9-1

but at 6th seed we look at teams like Dolphins, Jets, Chargers, Browns, Titans and us - records going from 4-5 to 5-4 at the moment; i've looked over all these teams remaining schedule and I'm positive 9-7 will get the 6th seed

6th seed will play in Indy as things stand, so not very scared of that possibility either

[jimjim5]

We need to get some wins before we start talking playoffs.

this.

[1/28/01]

well 5th seed's out of reach with KC being 9-0 and Denver at 9-1
but at 6th seed we look at teams like Dolphins, Jets, Chargers, Browns, Titans and us - records going from 4-5 to 5-4 at the moment; i've looked over all these teams remaining schedule and I'm positive 9-7 will get the 6th seed
6th seed will play in Indy as things stand, so not very scared of that possibility either

Okay, guess its possible I was more commenting on that 9-7 will win the division part and seal the 6th seed. Division winner for AFCN will have a better record that 9-7 and it wouldnt be 6th seed, since thats obviously wild card seeding. But maybe I read that wrong anyway.

[1/28/01]

well 5th seed's out of reach with KC being 9-0 and Denver at 9-1
but at 6th seed we look at teams like Dolphins, Jets, Chargers, Browns, Titans and us - records going from 4-5 to 5-4 at the moment; i've looked over all these teams remaining schedule and I'm positive 9-7 will get the 6th seed
6th seed will play in Indy as things stand, so not very scared of that possibility either

Okay, guess its possible. I was more commenting on that 9-7 will win the division part and seal the 6th seed. Division winner for AFCN will have a better record that 9-7 and it wouldnt be 6th seed, since thats obviously wild card seeding. But maybe I read that wrong anyway.

[bpytnjr58]

Denver should win the division...Kansas City will probably be the #5 seed...They have had a great season so far but how many more cupcakes can they eat as far as their schedule goes.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Okay, guess its possible. I was more commenting on that 9-7 will win the division part and seal the 6th seed. Division winner for AFCN will have a better record that 9-7 and it wouldnt be 6th seed, since thats obviously wild card seeding. But maybe I read that wrong anyway.

ohh sorry, looking over my initial post, might've been a little confusing

yeah 9-7 could win the division and get us the 4th seed or 3rd if Colts take a tumble, but was trying to say that 9-7 could also give us a wildcard position, namely 6th, if division gets out of reach... though i can't see bengals getting four or more wins from their remaining 6 games

[admartian]

ONe game at a time. I'm still shaky at our playoff chances. I'm just happy to eke out wins and not be blown out when we lose, at this point.

 

If/when it comes to it (last 2 weeks) and we're in with a chance, is when I'll start thinking about it. For now, and the health of my heart and hopes (:p) I'll just pretend we're already eliminated and treat each win we get as a blessing. :D

[jimjim5]

I think just about every team we needed to lose, lost this week! Amazing.

[JO_75]

I think just about every team we needed to lose, lost this week! Amazing.

 

Minus the Jets, who were on a bye who occupy that 6th Seed at 5-4 heading into Week 11. 

 

We need to beat Chicago, then beat the Jets in order to get that H2H tiebreaker.

[omar586]

Is very weak outside of The Powerhouses in Denver and Kanas city. We all know that barring a total collapse, the AFC West will have the 1 and 5 seeds respectively. Outside of that, and with the HUGE win today, the AFC is wide open. The Jets are currently the 6th seed, and I'm not expecting their success to translate into a playoff appearance. The Chargers, Titans, Browns, and Dolphins are the closest competition. IMO, this team is better than all of the 6th seed competitors IF they play to the level of their talent. The Ravens are very fortunate to be 4-5 and still have a legitimate chance of winning the division and hosting Den/KC or making the final wild card spot. The Bengals look to be having their notorious collapse, and this could be an exciting 2nd half if the Ravens come to play from here on out.

improving our running game is critical to get the 6th seed, after watching the cincy game, it was sad that the offense had to rely on PIs and cincy penalties to score points, our offense was tuurible. what hrab needs to do is :

1. give more carries to scott and pierce,
2. spread defenses out, 4 WRs sets/single back, TS,JJ,MB, Doss/DT  that  is a lot of speed.

[beanfigger]

We're only one game behind one team in the wildcard race, and we play that one team later this year.  We're only one game (in the loss column) behind one team in the AFC North race, and we play that one team later this year.  This means nothing if we don't get our act together and play good football and string wins together.  However, considering how bad we've played this year, we are not in such bad shape and should be thankful for the position we're in.  We don't need help to get to the playoffs because we've already gotten a bunch of help.  Of all the teams in the running for the final wildcard, as well as our division, I can't think of any that have consistently played well enough this year that I can say we can't possibly hold off.  I can't see how we don't have as good a chance as any of them.

[Ravensfan23]

We're only one game behind one team in the wildcard race, and we play that one team later this year.  We're only one game (in the loss column) behind one team in the AFC North race, and we play that one team later this year.  This means nothing if we don't get our act together and play good football and string wins together.  However, considering how bad we've played this year, we are not in such bad shape and should be thankful for the position we're in.  We don't need help to get to the playoffs because we've already gotten a bunch of help.  Of all the teams in the running for the final wildcard, as well as our division, I can't think of any that have consistently played well enough this year that I can say we can't possibly hold off.  I can't see how we don't have as good a chance as any of them.

 

 

Couldn't agree more. Plus we'll get to host the Jets, Steelers, Vikings and Pats at the Bank, which will all feel like playoff type games and we know how much this team feeds our the home crowd. I really like our chances to make the playoffs, if nothing more then the quality of the field fighting for the wildcard and the ability to still win the North.

[A Fish Called Yanda]

With the way our offense has looked, we stand no chance against the Pats, even at the Bank.  We really need to find our offensive identity (feel like I'm saying this every week) to even stand a chance at making the playoffs.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

"Playoffs! Who said anything about playoffs?"  Sound familiar? Right now our destiny is still in our own hands and we're fortunate considering the problems we've had getting to this point. To those folks who think we should be rooting for Cleveland to beat the Bengals, I say be careful what you ask for!  Based on the remaining schedules of teams in the AFC North, here's my prediction for the following final records:

Cincinnati 10-6 (incl. a home win over Cleveland)

Baltimore   8-8 (incl. a road loss to Bears this weekend) *

Cleveland  7-9 

Pittsburgh  6-10

The above order assumes past performance is the best predictor of future performance; and it assumes Bungles will beat the Browns. It also assumes each team in the division holds serve by winning each of its home games with one lone exception, that is, I have assumed Detroit will beat Pittsburgh @ Ketchup Field. Bengals have only 6 games to play and only 2 road games in SD & Spitsburgh. They have a very favorable schedule. Cleveland's schedule is very unfavorable w/ 4 of their remaining games on the road. Of course, I realize that assuming anything is not a good idea 'cause of what it makes outta you and me.

 

So, assuming we cannot overcome the Bengals and win the Division, the most serious contenders for the remaining wild card berth are Baltimore, Jets and Brownies IMO. By rooting for the Browns this weekend to beat the Bengals, you are hoping we can overtake the Bengals and win the Division. Realistically, its highly unlikely and would take a total collapse on their part. Its entirely possible and even probable that they will run the table until their final game with us, making the final game with us meaningless for them. If their final game is meaningless, it would be advantageous to us if we have to win that game in order to make the playoffs.

 

* A victory over Da Bears would improve our final record to 9-7, which is what I prognosticated before the season began and before Pitta went down. I revised my prediction to 8-8 when we lost Dennis.  

 

PS - I hope I'm wrong and we win the Division outright. I just don't see it happening given our propensity to blow games we are capable of winning. Does an 8-8 record get us the #6 seed with all the tie-breakers? Only the Shadow knows.

 

PPS- If Ed Reed is picked up by the Jets, Patriots, Bengals, Cleveland or the Ravens, this all changes. With Ed back in Bmore's backfield in the Nickel & coaching the younger guys as a player-coach, we get to 9-7 for sure. With Ed on one of the other teams we still have to compete against for a playoff spot, all bets are off. Have fun with this one!

[poescrows]

ohh sorry, looking over my initial post, might've been a little confusing

yeah 9-7 could win the division and get us the 4th seed or 3rd if Colts take a tumble, but was trying to say that 9-7 could also give us a wildcard position, namely 6th, if division gets out of reach... though i can't see bengals getting four or more wins from their remaining 6 games

IMO, we have a better shot making the PO's as DIV winners than as WC. I think it'll take atleast 10 W's for the second WC spot.......9 will prob get AFCN.

[gabefergy]

With the way our offense has looked, we stand no chance against the Pats, even at the Bank.  We really need to find our offensive identity (feel like I'm saying this every week) to even stand a chance at making the playoffs.

The Pats have had one game in which they looked like a decent offense, and that came at home against a very shaky Pitt defense. In a big Primetime game at the Bank, the Ravens D will terrorize Tom Brady. Hopefully, by then we will have Pitta back and some semblance of a running game. Even if our offense is still struggling our D should keep us in any game.

[Militant X 1]

just saw the AFC playoff spots on the NFL Network:

 

Div. Leaders: Chiefs (9-0), Patriots (7-2), Colts (6-3), Bengals (6-4)

 

Wild Card: Broncos (8-1), Jets (5-4)

 

In the Hunt: Dolphins (4-5), Titans (4-5), Browns (4-5), Ravens (4-5), Chargers (4-5)

 

#Mili

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

just saw the AFC playoff spots on the NFL Network:

Div. Leaders: Chiefs (9-0), Patriots (7-2), Colts (6-3), Bengals (6-4)

Wild Card: Broncos (8-1), Jets (5-4)

In the Hunt: Dolphins (4-5), Titans (4-5), Browns (4-5), Ravens (4-5), Chargers (4-5)

#Mili

as said before, the wildcard 6th seed will go to a 9-7 team

no way Jets win 5 of their last 7 (one loss at the bank, one at panthers at least, plus two games vs dolphins)

dolphins won't win 6 of their last 7 (games vs patsies and panthers, plus the double with the jets)

titans are the same (playing colts twice and one in denver)

browns have got games at bengals, steelers, patsies and home to bears, so there's no way they get another 6 wins

chargers (two vs chiefs, at denver, bengals and giants at home) so no way either

our own Ravens are in good position to be 9-7 and with a win vs Jets we'll hold the tie-breaker there

there's quite a big chance that the 6th seed will go 8-8...

[jimjim5]

as said before, the wildcard 6th seed will go to a 9-7 team

no way Jets win 5 of their last 7 (one loss at the bank, one at panthers at least, plus two games vs dolphins)

dolphins won't win 6 of their last 7 (games vs patsies and panthers, plus the double with the jets)

titans are the same (playing colts twice and one in denver)

browns have got games at bengals, steelers, patsies and home to bears, so there's no way they get another 6 wins

chargers (two vs chiefs, at denver, bengals and giants at home) so no way either

our own Ravens are in good position to be 9-7 and with a win vs Jets we'll hold the tie-breaker there

there's quite a big chance that the 6th seed will go 8-8...

 

Disagree. The Jets are in the drivers seat for that last playoff spot. Even if they lose to us and the Panthers, they will finish at 10-6. 

 

Their remaining games include:

 

Bills

Ravens

Dolphins

Raiders

Panthers

Browns

Dolphins

 

That looks completely winnable. They have the defense to make up for bad QB play. Also, their coach has proven that he knows how to win with this handicap.

 

If I were putting my money on a team to make the playoffs in the AFC, it would be the Jets.

 

 

On the other hand, here is the Ravens schedule:

 

Bears

Jets

Steelers

Vikings

Lions

Patriots

Bengals

 

We could lose 6 of those games. Good luck to us.....

[Ravensfan23]

"Playoffs! Who said anything about playoffs?"  Sound familiar? Right now our destiny is still in our own hands and we're fortunate considering the problems we've had getting to this point. To those folks who think we should be rooting for Cleveland to beat the Bengals, I say be careful what you ask for!  Based on the remaining schedules of teams in the AFC North, here's my prediction for the following final records:

Cincinnati 10-6 (incl. a home win over Cleveland)

Baltimore   8-8 (incl. a road loss to Bears this weekend) *

Cleveland  7-9 

Pittsburgh  6-10

The above order assumes past performance is the best predictor of future performance; and it assumes Bungles will beat the Browns. It also assumes each team in the division holds serve by winning each of its home games with one lone exception, that is, I have assumed Detroit will beat Pittsburgh @ Ketchup Field. Bengals have only 6 games to play and only 2 road games in SD & Spitsburgh. They have a very favorable schedule. Cleveland's schedule is very unfavorable w/ 4 of their remaining games on the road. Of course, I realize that assuming anything is not a good idea 'cause of what it makes outta you and me.

 

So, assuming we cannot overcome the Bengals and win the Division, the most serious contenders for the remaining wild card berth are Baltimore, Jets and Brownies IMO. By rooting for the Browns this weekend to beat the Bengals, you are hoping we can overtake the Bengals and win the Division. Realistically, its highly unlikely and would take a total collapse on their part.

 

If that is true then it should assume that the Bengals will lose to both the Browns and the Ravens because it's already happened this year.

 

Also I wouldn't consider the Bengals schedule favorable at all. Just because you play at home doesn't mean it's favorable. You'd actually have to make your homefield advantage count for it to be considered favorable. Since Dalton took over at QB in 11' the Bengals have lost 8 of their 20 home games. That's just slightly better then 50% so if indeed past performances are that best predictor of future performances, this isn't a strong sign for Cincy. Also their schedule isn't so favorable because they out of their 6 remaining games, 3 are tough divisional games and a total of 5 are against playoff caliber teams. Obviously the Steelers aren't making the playoffs this year but it'll still be a tough game.

 

So there is nothing that says the Bengals will run away with this division as you suggest. So win or lose vs the Bears, it's still much better to have the Browns beat the Bengals and bring the Bengals closer to the pack then have the Bengals win and separate. If the Browns win they would have beaten the Bengals twice and given those guys 3 total division losses. This would actually put the Browns in great position to take over 1st place with the Bengals having a bye the following week. As you mentioned the Browns don't have a favorable schedule and probably won't win more then 1 or 2 games down the stretch. But in case they did and continued to hold serve in 1st place it would be much better to have a potential 3 way tie scenario with the final week of the season Bal @ Cin Cle @ Pit, determine who wins the North. Even if the Browns aren't good enough to continue in 1st place you still want the Bengals to have as many losses as possible. A lost to Cle would mean 3 straight heading into the bye. Followed by 2 of their next 3 games on the road. That would really test that notion of them going 10-6 to close out the season. 

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Disagree. The Jets are in the drivers seat for that last playoff spot. Even if they lose to us and the Panthers, they will finish at 10-6. 

 

Their remaining games include:

 

Bills

Ravens

Dolphins

Raiders

Panthers

Browns

Dolphins

 

That looks completely winnable. They have the defense to make up for bad QB play. Also, their coach has proven that he knows how to win with this handicap.

 

If I were putting my money on a team to make the playoffs in the AFC, it would be the Jets.

 

I completely disagree with your assumption that the Jets will get 10 wins this season

the games they play at Bills, Ravens, Panther and Dolphins are all very hard to win; even at home to Dolphins, Raiders and Browns is not a walk in the park

and this comes from a guy that said at the beginning of the year that the Jets will get 6th seed on these boards, but then I didn't imagine KC would improve this much and had Broncos, Pats, Colts, Ravens, Bengals and Jets; now Jets bounce

[Ravensfan23]

Disagree. The Jets are in the drivers seat for that last playoff spot. Even if they lose to us and the Panthers, they will finish at 10-6. 

 

Their remaining games include:

 

Bills

Ravens

Dolphins

Raiders

Panthers

Browns

Dolphins

 

That looks completely winnable. They have the defense to make up for bad QB play. Also, their coach has proven that he knows how to win with this handicap.

 

If I were putting my money on a team to make the playoffs in the AFC, it would be the Jets.

 

 

On the other hand, here is the Ravens schedule:

 

Bears

Jets

Steelers

Vikings

Lions

Patriots

Bengals

 

We could lose 6 of those games. Good luck to us.....

That would be a smart bet imo. Don't be fooled by the record of the Jets and a couple quality wins. All of what you said about them is true. But just as easy as the Ravens could lose 6 of 7 the Jets could lose all 7. I don't wanna take anything away from those guys because wins are the only thing that matter not style points, but this team is just as inconsistent as any. Our situation looks as bad as it does because; We're defending champs and you expect more and we are sitting in the middle of it as fans.

 

I say that because you can look at the Ravens and say man we suck we'll be lucky to win 2 or 3 games here on out. But the Jets are in a much better position and have some winnable games. However when you look at the whole picture, it can easily be argued that the Ravens have as good a chance as any of the remaining wild card teams. The Ravens have lost 5 games by a combined total of 36 points. Remove the Denver game and it's 4 loses by a combined 14 points. What that says to me is that as bad as things are, the Ravens are still right there in games late with a chance to win.

 

However with the Jets they have lost by a combined total of 81 points in their 4 loses. That's a average of 3 scores they lose by, which means they aren't even close to winning those games. So while the Jets look good record wise at 5-4 with nice wins over NE and NO, they are just as capable of turning around and getting run out of the stadium by Buffalo on Sunday.

[Ravensfan23]

Disagree. The Jets are in the drivers seat for that last playoff spot. Even if they lose to us and the Panthers, they will finish at 10-6. 

 

Their remaining games include:

 

Bills

Ravens

Dolphins

Raiders

Panthers

Browns

Dolphins

 

That looks completely winnable. They have the defense to make up for bad QB play. Also, their coach has proven that he knows how to win with this handicap.

 

If I were putting my money on a team to make the playoffs in the AFC, it would be the Jets.

 

 

On the other hand, here is the Ravens schedule:

 

Bears

Jets

Steelers

Vikings

Lions

Patriots

Bengals

 

We could lose 6 of those games. Good luck to us.....

 

That wouldn't be a smart bet imo. Don't be fooled by the record of the Jets and a couple quality wins. All of what you said about them is true. But just as easy as the Ravens could lose 6 of 7 the Jets could lose all 7. I don't wanna take anything away from those guys because wins are the only thing that matter not style points, but this team is just as inconsistent as any. Our situation looks as bad as it does because; We're defending champs and you expect more and we are sitting in the middle of it as fans.

 

I say that because you can look at the Ravens and say man we suck we'll be lucky to win 2 or 3 games here on out. But the Jets are in a much better position and have some winnable games. However when you look at the whole picture, it can easily be argued that the Ravens have as good a chance as any of the remaining wild card teams. The Ravens have lost 5 games by a combined total of 36 points. Remove the Denver game and it's 4 loses by a combined 14 points. What that says to me is that as bad as things are, the Ravens are still right there in games late with a chance to win.

 

However with the Jets they have lost by a combined total of 81 points in their 4 loses. That's a average of 3 scores they lose by, which means they aren't even close to winning those games. So while the Jets look good record wise at 5-4 with nice wins over NE and NO, they are just as capable of turning around and getting run out of the stadium by Buffalo on Sunday.