Hunt for the 1 seed - Pats in 1st place again?

[SHOWTIME15]

Surprised that despite the pats and raiders both winning today that the pats are back on top for the 1 seed. Is it the conference record tie breaker that gives them the edge?

NFL Playoff Picture - NFL.com

 

[XLIX]

The Raiders were in 1st place last week based on strength of victory. But after today's respective wins, the Patriots took the lead based on better conference record. If both teams win again next week, Raiders will retake 1st place.

 

[anditsgood]

Surprised that despite the pats and raiders both winning today that the pats are back on top for the 1 seed. Is it the conference record tie breaker that gives them the edge?

NFL Playoff Picture - NFL.com

my guess its the win% in the conference, its third after head to head and common games

 

[XLIX]

my guess its the win% in the conference, its third after head to head and common games

Win percentage in the conference is before common games, and we currently have a half game lead in that stat.

Common games needs a minimum of 4 common opponents in order to apply. So for now we overlook that tie breaker, but by the end of the season, it will come into play. The Raiders are currently 3-0 against teams on our schedule, and we are 2-1 against teams on their schedule, so they have that advantage over us. Essentially Oakland controls the race, but there is still a lot of football to be played.

 

[The_Riddler]

Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Broncos left for the Raiders looks a lot harder than our path these remaining 5 games, I like our chances for the 1 seed...

 

[ScottishPatriots]

Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Broncos left for the Raiders looks a lot harder than our path these remaining 5 games, I like our chances for the 1 seed...

Interestingly they've played all 3 divisional opponents at home but still have to play the Chiefs, Broncos and Chargers on the road, you'd expect they'd lose at least 1 of them then you have the Bills and Colts at home the Colts will be able to put up points at least so you'd expect that game to be competitive, if Tyrod can play well even that one is no gimmie.

 

[XLIX]

Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Broncos left for the Raiders looks a lot harder than our path these remaining 5 games, I like our chances for the 1 seed...

I agree. The Patriots just finished playing a stretch where 4 of 5 were on the road, and they went 4-1 (amusingly enough, the home game was the loss). Oakland has just played 3 in a row at home and have another home game next week against Buffalo. After that, comes a brutal stretch of playing 3 of 4 on the road, with those 3 road games all being in the division.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Broncos left for the Raiders looks a lot harder than our path these remaining 5 games, I like our chances for the 1 seed...

They'll beat the bills, colts and chargers - that won't be a problem for oakland . I think they'll also beat the chiefs since the chiefs already beat them once this year. at worst they go 4-1 the rest of the way. On the other hand, the pats have baltimore, denver and miami (on the road). We too will likely go 4-1 the rest of the way.

 

[SVN]

i kinda agree with bedard here - raiders are going to be a very tough out wherever and whoever they play
NFL Week 12 Blanket: Storylines from Sunday's games

These aren’t the same old Raiders: There's no doubt about it now—the Raiders are no longer that outgunned and pathetic outfit that we’ve seen for most of the past decade. Not only did they improve to 9–2, but but the manner in which they did it (leading 24–7, trailing 32–24, and then prevailing 35–32) against a Panthers team that still has the guts of an NFC champion, showed that the Raiders won’t just be upstarts once the postseason begins. They are indeed very real contenders. This was a rough and tumble playoff-esque game, and the Raiders gave out as much as they received, especially with QB Derek Carr coming back and executing while injured. They’ve already proven they're road warriors (5–0 this season), and wins like this will only serve them well in January. With a great offensive line, playmakers galore and edge rushers that can get home when it matters, the Raiders have the ability to beat anyone.

 

[BobDigital]

Way to early to worry about it. I think if we just go 13-3 or better it will all take care of itself.

12-4 probably as well due to how hard the ACFW is

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Way to early to worry about it. I think if we just go 13-3 or better it will all take care of itself.

12-4 probably as well due to how hard the ACFW is

If both teams go 13-3, oakland would get the 1 seed. I am hoping oakland loses to SD and/or denver.

 

[XLIX]

If both teams go 13-3, oakland would get the 1 seed. I am hoping oakland loses to SD and/or denver.

It would depend on who each team's 3rd loss was against.

 

[RIpats88]

people want to talk about our defense, but the Raiders defense is pourous and has had one game they kept the opponent under 20. good offenses have been passing all over them. they gave up 32 today to the panthers.

people here are freaking out that we gave up 17 to the Jets.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

It would depend on who each team's 3rd loss was against.

True, I am assuming NE loses to either baltimore or Denver.

 

[bormio]

They'll beat the bills, colts and chargers - that won't be a problem for oakland I think they'll also beat the chiefs since the chiefs already beat them once this year. at worst they go 4-1 the rest of the way. On the other hand, the pats have baltimore, denver and miami (on the road). We too will likely go 4-1 the rest of the way.

That is a brutal run for Oakland. Games at Denver and KC - very difficult places to play. At SD - that game is like Pats and Jets - often very tough no matter the records. Bills can present problems and so can the Colts. 3-2 would be a very good mark - 4-1 would be almost amazing.

 

[XLIX]

True, I am assuming NE loses to either baltimore or Denver.

OK ya if our hypothetical 3rd loss is to one of those teams, a 13-3 Oakland team wins the tie breaker no matter what.

 

[BobDigital]

If both teams go 13-3, oakland would get the 1 seed. I am hoping oakland loses to SD and/or denver.

The reason i said 13-3 is cause i don't think anyone else in the AFC hits that mark.

 

[meatface]

people want to talk about our defense, but the Raiders defense is pourous and has had one game they kept the opponent under 20. good offenses have been passing all over them. they gave up 32 today to the panthers.

people here are freaking out that we gave up 17 to the Jets.

People just like to whine and because we are winning they have to nit pick. We have already had more subdued versions of I don't care! I can't stand it

 

[SVN]

People here in the bay area on talk radio and all want a raider @ ne battle in the snow for revenge of tuck rule game. They are calling it possibly changing of the guard in reverse like in 2001 when a young upstart QB beat an experience QB and team which was favored.

 

[PrairiePat]

At Denver and at Miami are traditionally hard games for the Pats to win, even when those teams aren't good. This year, they're both good. Frankly, all 4 of the Pats games after this week's game are going to be tough. I think 4-1 gets them home field for sure, but I think 3-2 is much more likely with all the injuries the offense is working through.