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Life on the NFL Playoffs Bubble: Who’s In and Who’s Out

By Bryce Olin

Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs to the sidelines against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs to the sidelines against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after catching a pass as Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (left) and defensive back Dominique Franks (32) defend during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after catching a pass as Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (left) and defensive back Dominique Franks (32) defend during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

AFC North

Through ten games, it’s unbelievable to think this entire division is separated by the Cincinnati Bengals’ tie with the Carolina Panthers. That tie, and not a loss, has put the Bengals (6-3-1) on top of the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4), Baltimore Ravens (6-4) and Cleveland Browns (6-4).

This division is crazy; it’s basically the NFL’s version of the NBA’s Southwest division, which has five teams that can realistically make the playoffs.

Week to week, these four teams have been some of the most inconsistent teams in the entire league.

After scoring 94 points combined against the Ravens and Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers lost to the New York Jets. The Bengals were shut out by the Colts earlier this season. The Ravens held the Steelers to six points in their first matchup before giving up 43 points in the second meeting. The Browns lost to the Jaguars by two-plus touchdowns and then beat the Bengals 24-3 three weeks later.

There is no rhyme or reason for what is going to happen in this division.

What It Will Take For Baltimore: 

For Baltimore to win the division, Joe Flacco is going to have catch fire like he did in the 2012 playoffs. The Ravens have a good shot at taking home the division crown, but it’s going to take Flacco to carve up opposing defenses to get the job done. Baltimore has games against San Diego, New Orleans, and Jacksonville left on the schedule. All of those team have weak secondaries. If Flacco can throw the Ravens to victory in those three games, the Ravens would likely only need one more win in their other three games against the Colts, Browns, and Texans to at least tie for the division title.

What It Will Take For Pittsburgh:

The Steelers have the weakest schedule remaining with games against Atlanta, New Orleans, and two games against the Bengals. If the Steelers just take care of business against the Falcons, and Saints, like they should, and then split with the Bengals, the Steelers should be the team representing the AFC North in the playoffs.

What It Will Take For Cincinnati:

The Bengals, although they have the slightest lead, have the toughest schedule remaining. Of their last six games, the Bengals have four road games against the Steelers, Buccaneers, Browns, and Texans. On top of that, the Bengals matchup in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, which could have playoff or playoff-seeding implications for both sides. Likely, the Bengals will need to win five of their next six games to lock up the division out right, but going 4-2 seems more likely.

What It Will Take For Cleveland:

While they’re still in the mix, I don’t see Cleveland winning the division. Maybe, it’s the fact that Cleveland hasn’t been good in almost my entire life, but I can’t envision the scenario in which the Browns win the division.

As all Cleveland sports fans know, the odds are never in their favor. The Browns play four out of the last six on the road. This season, the Browns are 2-2 on the road. If they keep up winning at that pace, they’ll still need to win their last two home games against the Colts and Bengals to finish 10-6.

Prediction: 

At the beginning of the season, I thought the Bengals would win the division, and I’m going to stick with that pick because they have that half-game lead over everyone else. At least two of these teams will finish the season 4-2, and the Bengals will be one of them. That tie against Carolina will be the difference in their season.

Next: The Disaster of the AFC South

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