Even though it sounds way too early to be talking about playoffs (insert Jim Mora rant video here), there are a lot of critical games this week for playoff positioning.
AFC
1. 9-0 Chiefs (at Broncos)
Chiefs win and they open up a 2-game lead in the AFCW, and a 2 (or 3) game lead for the #1 seed in the AFC; a loss and they could drop from #1 to #5. If the Broncos lose they still have the #5 seed under control, but winning the division becomes far more difficult.
2. 7-2 Patriots (at Panthers)
A Pats win gives them a 1-game cushion over Indy for the #2 seed, and they could move to within one game of KC if the Chiefs lose for the #1 seed. A loss drops them into a tie with Indy for #2 in the AFC, and a loss plus a Jets win cuts their lead in the AFCE to one game over the Jets.
3. 7-3 Colts (won at Titans Thursday)
By winning the Colts opened up a 3-game lead in the AFCS with only six games left to play. Titans could have closed to within a half game of the Jets for the second wildcard spot with a win; by losing they are now in 11th place overall in the AFC.
4. 6-4 Bengals (home vs Browns)
Cincy has lost two in a row and are no longer a lock to win the AFCN. A win and they lead the division by 1½ over Baltimore even if the Ravens, or 2½ over them if the Ravens lose
5. 8-1 Broncos (at Chiefs)
See #1
6. 5-4 Jets (at Bills)
With a win and a Carolina win they could be only one game behind the Pats in the AFCE; a loss and a Pats win and they are three games behind. A win keeps them in the #6 seed for the playoffs; a loss helps the five four-win teams in the AFC that are behind them.
Outside looking in, need a win; Ravens and Browns still have division hopes alive as well as a wildcard:
7. 4-5 Dolphins (vs Chargers)
8. 4-5 Browns (at Bengals)
9. 4-5 Ravens (at Bears)
10. 4-5 Chargers (at Miami)
11. 4-6 Titans (lost to Colts)
NFC
1. 9-1 Seahawks (vs Vikings)
A win keeps them two games ahead of the Saints for the #1 seed; a win and a loss by SF gives them a 3½ game lead in the NFCW.
2. 7-2 Saints (vs 49ers)
New Orleans needs a win to keep pace with Seattle, and more importantly to maintain their one-game lead over Carolina. A win and a loss by the Panthers opens up a 2-game lead in the NFCS; a loss and a Carolina win and they drop into a tie with the Panthers in the NFCS.
3. 6-3 Lions (at Steelers)
Detroit needs a win to maintain lead in NFCN. A win plus losses by Bears and Packers gives them a two-game lead. A loss and a win by either Chicago or Green Bay and they drop into a tie in the division.
4. 5-5 Eagles (vs Redskins)
Philly can take the lead in the NFCN over idle Dallas with a win. A loss drops them in the division, opens up the door for Washington, and hurts their wild card chances.
5. 6-3 Panthers (vs Patriots)
A win at worst keeps them one game off the lead in the NFCS and in the #5 playoff seed; a win plus a New Orleans loss puts them in a tie for first in the division. A loss could drop them two games behind the Saints, and into a tie with one or more of the three 5-4 teams for a playoff spot.
6. 6-4 49ers (at Saints)
Chances of repeating as division winners are pretty slim; at this point SF needs a win just to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Knocking on the door:
7. 5-4 Cardinals (at Jaguars)
Should have no problem with Jacksonville, but those west coast teams often have trouble going to the east coast for an early game.
8. 5-4 Bears (vs Ravens)
9. 5-4 Packers (at Giants)
A win could put either or both in a tie for 1st with the Lions; a loss drops them further behind for a wildcard spot.
On life support but still breathing:
3-6 Redskins (at Eagles)
3-6 Giants (vs Packers)
A benefit of playing in the NFC East is that even if a wild card spot is highly unlikely, winning the division is still a real possibility.
