New York Jets Playoff update

With a 28-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets climbed to 6-5 on the season.  Let’s recap the standings and examine the rest of the AFC playoff hopefuls to see where the Jets currently rank. Team — Record — Conf. Record

1. Texans …. 8-3 … 7-2* 2. Patriots … 8-3 … 6-2* 3. Ravens …. 8-3 … 5-2* 4. Raiders …. 7-4 … 5-4* 5. Steelers … 8-3 … 6-3 6. Bengals … 7-4 …. 6-3 7. Broncos … 6-5 … 6-3** 8. Jets …….. 6-5 … 5-5*** 9. Titans ….. 6-5 … 4-4

* – Division leader ** – Win tiebreaker over Jets and Titans based on winning percentage of conference games *** – Win tiebreaker over Titans based on strength of victory

Division Leaders:

New England Patriots (8-3).  The Patriots put a beat down on the Philadelphia Eagles and are all but a lock to win the AFC East.  The Jets will need to secure 1 of 2 wild card spots to reach the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens (8-3).  The Ravens, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but owning the season series, are in position to capture their division with remaining games against the Browns twice and the Colts.

Oakland Raiders (7-4). With a 25-20 victory over the Chicago Bears, featuring 6 field goals from Sebastian Janikowski, the Raiders are in position to win the AFC West for the first time since 2002.  The Carson Palmer acquisition looks pretty good now.  The Raiders face the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers to finish the season.  A rough finish in which the Raiders could end up 9-7, 10-6 or 11-5.

Houston Texans (8-3). A big win over the Jacksonville Jaguars should provide breathing room for the Texans to capture the AFC South.  Remaining schedule is medium with the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans.  With a 2 game lead over the Titans, the Texans should squeak it out.

(Check out the next page for Wild Card Teams)

Wild Card Teams:

New York Jets (6-5).  Big win this past Sunday for Gang Green, who must make a serious run the rest of the way to get into the playoffs.  Remaining schedule has the Jets playing the Washington Redskins, Chiefs, Eagles, New York Giants and Dolphins.  Not unrealistic to see 10 wins, but the Jets will struggle to get 11.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3).  The Steelers face the Cleveland Browns twice and the St. Louis Rams.  That should secure the first wild card spot for Pittsburgh, and force the Jets to fight it out for the last spot.

Cincinnati Bengals (7-4).  With a late win over the Browns this week, the Bengals may have saved their season.  A mixed remaining schedule features the Steelers, Texans, Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Ravens.  Look for 10 wins for the Bengals at a minimum.  The 3 conference games against tough opponents is the key here.  A tiebreaker in record with the Jets would then go to conference record.

Denver Broncos (6-5).  Holding the tie-breaker over the Jets, Tim Tebow keeps winning and winning.  Remaining schedule is: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Patriots, Bills, and Chiefs.  10 wins is not out of the question.  That would mean the Jets would need 11 to beat Denver and probably get into the playoffs.