NFL playoff picture
Here's a look at the likely playoff matchups as we approach Week 17:
AFC
Chargers (10-5) vs. Titans (9-6)
Steelers (10-5) vs. Jaguars (11-4)
Byes: Patriots (15-0), Colts (13-2)
Still alive: Browns (9-6)
It's pretty simple in the AFC. If the Titans beat the Colts in the Sunday night matchup, they're in as the No. 6 seed. Normally, beating Indy on the road is not an easy task, but the Colts have nothing to play for. Tony Dungy has already said backups will play the entire second half, and maybe more. Don't be surprised if Peyton Manning and company are lifted after one series. For that reason, Tennessee is a 6.5-point favorite.
If the Titans lose, the Browns are in regardless of what happens in their matchup against the 49ers.
The only other aspect of the AFC playoff picture that needs sorting out is who will claim the No. 3 and 4 seeds. Right now, the Chargers have the upper hand over the Steelers. If San Diego beats Oakland OR if the Steelers lose to the Ravens, the Chargers will be the No. 3 seed. If San Diego falls to Oakland AND the Steelers beat the Ravens, Pittsburgh gets the No. 3 seed. Remember, if the Steelers stay as the fourth seed, they'll host the Jaguars, a team that beat them in Pittsburgh, 29-22, in Week 15.
NFC
Seahawks (10-5) vs. Redskins (8-7)
Bucs (9-6) vs. Giants (10-5)
Byes: Cowboys (13-2), Packers (12-3)
Still alive: Vikings (8-7), Saints (7-8)
It's simple in the NFC also, as the top five seeds are all locked into place. Bucs-Giants will be a first-round matchup regardless of what happens in Week 17, and Seattle will host either Washington, Minnesota or New Orleans.
If the Redskins beat the Cowboys, they're in and will travel to Seattle next week. The Cowboys have the No. 1 seed locked up and will probably sit many starters like Indy. Can Brad Johnson prevent his former team from getting into the postseason? Not likely. Washington is playing well right now and is listed as a 9-point favorite.
The Vikings, meanwhile, likely blew their chance last week by losing to Washington at home. Minnesota needs a win over Denver and a Redskins loss to get into the tournament. And finally, New Orleans needs to beat Chicago and have Washington and Minnesota both fall.
And the question everyone's asking: Should the Giants play their starters against the Patriots?
The latest news out of the Meadowlands is that the Giants will play their starters against the Patriots as New England attempts to complete their quest for perfection. It's the right move.
Right now, the Giants are destined for another first-round playoff exit. If they somehow beat New England (very unlikely, I know), they would be remembered forever as the team that spoiled the Patriots' journey towards 16-0. They'd also gain some serious momentum going into the playoffs. If New York gets stomped, it doesn't really matter. That's what everyone expects anyway -- the Giants are two-touchdown underdogs. On Inside the NFL, they asked the question: What would be bigger for the Giants -- to beat New England or a first-round playoff win? I say beating the Patriots. I realize the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl, but there are always exceptions. What do you think?
Comments
Beating this years Pats during the regular season is better than winning a single playoff game. The Giants do have a much better chance of winning this one than they do a playoff game with the injuries they have had. Thye Pats really do want to go undefeated, but realize it means nothing if they get knocked out in the first round. If NY can get pressure on Brady with the front 4 as I expect, they may get him out of the game fast enough to win.
The Pats will play the same as they have all year though and cover the spread by halftime and knock the Giant starters off the field early.
Not many slots up for grabs is sort of suprising to me. I really thought the Vikes and Browns would win last week.
It would suprise me to see Indy and Dallas pull the starters and let division rivals into the playoffs. They both are getting a bye anyway and should revel in the opportunity to knock those teams out as well as get some momentum for them selves going into a 2 week break.
Posted by: Jeremiah | December 27, 2007 1:10 PM
As a fan of the Giants, I think they should settle on sitting Plaxico and Jacobs. If the Giants want to advance past the first round, they'd do well in having their big-play receiver and top running back a little healthier.
The real question is whether the Giants should let Eli throw over 10 passes against the Pats. His inconsistency is maddening. No matter who the Giants sit, though, I don't expect the Pats to have much trouble moving up and down the field. The Giants are pretty poor in pass coverage and Brady has been carving up defenses all season.
I'll be in the upper deck of the game, likely around more Boston fans than I'd like. If the Giants somehow pull out the upset I am sure I'll be in no shape to celebrate the impending New Year.
Posted by: Bryan | December 27, 2007 1:43 PM
If the giants play there starters then fire that coach ASAP.. The goal is the super bowl and only that everyyear. Giants suck , even worse at home. The only people who want the giants starters are the ones who dont want the record broken. Common sence says the Giants are banged up , Playoffs start letun heal, Then get knocked out after one game. lol
Posted by: mike | December 28, 2007 11:05 AM
If the Pats & Colts are 1 & 2, & the Jaguars are #3, how can Pitt & San Diego be fighting for the #3 & 4 seeds?
----------------------------------------------------
Hi Carl--
The Jaguars are the No. 5 seed. Even though they have a better record than the Steelers and Chargers, Jacksonville will make the playoffs as a wild card team, not as a division winner. Therefore, the Jags don't get a higher seed and don't get to host a first-round game.
Meanwhile, a Steelers win and a Chargers loss would give Pittsburgh the No. 3 seed.
--Sheil
Posted by: Carl | December 28, 2007 5:49 PM
The Pats & Colts are 1 & 2, but the Jags are not 3. As a wild card team (same division as the Colts) the best seed they can get is the 5th seed.
Posted by: Dugo | December 29, 2007 2:21 PM
the eagles hold the tie breaker over the saints and they bcan both end up 8 and 8 so why do the saints go if both the redskins and vikes lose and the saint win. if the eagles win they will be 8 and 8 also and dont they gole the tie breaker over the saints on the head to head?
Posted by: eddie | December 29, 2007 2:56 PM