NFL Playoff Update: Colts Could Take #7 Seed, Steelers Still Alive

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts return home after a vital win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Indianapolis hasn’t wrapped up the seventh seed yet, the win gets the team one step closer. With a win in week 18, the Colts could punch their post-season ticket.

However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the one team to watch. With a crucial division showdown in Baltimore, Pittsburgh could clinch the sixth or seventh seed. However, one thing that will reduce the Steelers chances of making the playoffs is the fact that the team lost to both Indianapolis and Houston. The Houston Texans remain behind the Indianapolis Colts for the seventh seed. However, Houston will face Indianapolis in a winner-take-all game.

Pittsburgh and Buffalo didn’t face each other in the regular season. There is no head-to-head tiebreaker here but both teams have six wins against AFC opponents. Pittsburgh would automatically be in the playoffs if Buffalo loses to Miami and the Steelers defeat the Ravens. Then Pittsburgh would finish with seven AFC wins while Buffalo would finish with six AFC wins. This is the most realistic scenario which would favor the Steelers. Another interesting scenario is if Jacksonville loses to Tennessee. Now, in this scenario, Jacksonville would likely be out of the playoffs with a 9-8 record. There will almost certainly be a winner in the Houston vs Indianapolis game. A tie is possible but unrealistic. It’s almost a guarantee that one of the three AFC South teams trying to clinch a playoff spot won’t be able to do so. This leaves the door slightly open for Pittsburgh, especially given the fact that the Jaguars are struggling as of late. The Steelers defeated the Seahawks 30-23.

Week 18 will be an important week in the AFC. The Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention after the loss to Kansas City.

Baltimore won the AFC North and Cleveland clinched a playoff spot with the Thursday night win over the New York Jets. The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins are in the NFL playoffs.

The AFC Playoff Picture will clear up once the games finalize in week 18. The AFC South will be the division to pay close attention to.

Things are more murky in the NFC. Seattle’s loss to Pittsburgh may end the team’s chances of making the playoffs. The Packers won against the Vikings and the Buccaneers are also in the playoff picture. Tampa Bay has a chance to win the NFC South next week. If Green Bay and Tampa Bay win, both teams will automatically be in the playoffs. The Packers face the division rival Chicago Bears while Tampa Bay faces the Carolina Panthers. The Saints, Vikings, and Falcons also have a chance to make the postseason.