PATSYLICIOUS

I just looked through the standings and it seems if we can win @ Buffalo and vs. Jax, we clinch at least the final wild card spot. In that case the best that the Jets and Ravens could do is tie us, and we own tiebreakers over both teams. Miami could still tie us and take the division, but we would still get a wild card for sure. If any of that's wrong please let me know.

The #2 seed is within reach but highly unlikely the way SD is playing. We could catch Cincinatti for the 3 spot by winning one more game than they do in the final 3 weeks, but then the tiebreak would be strength of schedule which is hard to predict now. That all could change if Cincy beats SD this week however. Either way, little advantage to the 3 seed especially without knowing who will finish 5 and 6. And I'm not sure I'd even want to face SD over Indy right now.

My prediction for the AFC finish:
1. Colts
2. Chargers
3. Bengals
4. Pats
5. Ravens
6. Broncos

Sets up a rematch with Ravens who will win out to finish 10-6 while the Dolphins and Jets each drop a game. Not the first round matchup I want, they'll be on a roll and fired up over week 4. But I think we'd still pull it out and head to Indy. In all honesty I'd rather face any of the Jets/Fins/Broncs before the dirty Ravens.

supafly

You're right--win the next 2 and we clinch a WC at worst going into the last game at HOU for the division crown.

alvinnf

Going to SD at any point is going to be a death sentence for this team. Much better matchup against Indy. Of course, if we even get that far?

mayoclinic

I think it will be:

1. Colts
2. Chargers
3. Bengals
4. Pats
5. Broncos
6. Ravens

Either way, I think we would end up hosting Baltimore, because the Ravens and Bengals are in the same division, though I'm not 100% sure of NFL rules in this area.

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QB12

I don't think the NFL bans intra-division playoff games if that results from the normal seedings. Remember in '06 we hosted and beat the Wild-Card Jets.

QB12

jmt57

For playoff seedings, being in the same division does not come in to play. It's #6 at #3, and #5 at #4.

When you look at the teams in the hunt (other than the Colts), nothing is remotely close to being set in stone. There's about seven teams that could land anywhere from #2 to missing the playoffs, plus a few more that could still get in with three wins and a little bit of help.

PatsWickedPissah

Yes, details here including everyone's next 3 opponents...

NFL 2009 Playoff Race - CBSSports.com

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zipster9

I'd prefer if the Patriots get the 3rd seed. I think they have a better chance in SanDiego, than the Colts. The Patriots does not have luck in Indy in a dome.

If Cincy loses and Patriots win the 3 games. They are tied. Though, I dont know who wins the tie-breaker..

Metaphors

This would give us the best chance of hosting the AFCC game. Indy could be a one-n-done but I'm not optimistic that Cincy or Denver are the teams to do it. The Pats getting the #3 would be the Colts dream scenario. They wouldn't have to face the Pats and the Chargers...and if they faced the Pats it would be after a tough west coast trip. This was the formula for the Colts championship run in 2006.

My reason for preferring the #4 seed is to put off the west coast trip as long as possible and get the Colts after a month without meaningful games. This works if you assume that the Chargers will win their game (not a given but a solid bet) and all you are doing is arranging the order of the Colts/Chargers road games.

Wax Frog

Rather than worry about seedings and matchups, the way the season's gone I'm just going to be thankful for a 17th game, if it happens...