AFC Playoff Bubble Heading into Week 18

S. Samek

Taking a look at the AFC playoff picture. Four teams have clinched a spot and three are up for grabs. Three teams the Jaguars, Bills and Colts are in the hunt, while the Texans and Steelers sit on the bubble. Which of these teams will get in? Let’s break drown some possibilities.

Let’s start with the Jaguars at 9-7 and atop the AFC South division. A win gives them the Division title and a spot in the playoffs. They play the Titans in a game they should be favored in and that is their best chance at a playoff spot. I give them a high percentage chance to get in.

Then we have the Bills at 10-6. They still have a chance to win the division and that requires a win over the Dolphins to do so. They get in with a couple of losses if they don’t win the division, but I think their best bet is to win and get in.

The last in the hunt category team is the 9-7 Colts. They play a Texans team that shares a 9-7 record with them. Both teams could still steal the division, if the Jaguars are upset by the Titans. If that happens the winner of this game becomes the division champ.

Though the Colts are in a win and in situation even if the Jaguars win the division.

The Texans are in the on the bubble category. Though they still have the outside division winning chance. If the Jaguars win the division the Texans need to beat the Colts to get in.

The Steelers are the last team with a shot to make the playoffs. Though they need the most help. They first need to win on the road against the Ravens. While the Ravens have already clinched the top AFC seed and could easily rest starters, maybe the chance to knock their rivals out of the playoffs should be ample motivation to win this game. I feel like even a Steelers win could see them coming up short from making the playoffs. I think I would give them the lowest percentage chance of any still eligible team to get in.

So, my predictions are Bills, Jaguars and Texans get in.