NFL Playoff Scenarios: What Each Team Needs To Get To The Postseason
By Keith Myers
AFC East
| AFC East Team | W | L | Remaining Opp. | |
| New England Patriots | 11 | 3 | NYJ, Buf | |
| Buffalo Bills | 8 | 6 | Oak, NE | |
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 7 | Min, NYJ |
New England is already in the playoffs. They also hold the tiebreakers over both Indianapolis and Denver, and they win in the case of a three-way tie. Right now, the road to the Super Bowl in the AFC appears to be heading through Foxboro.
Buffalo’s poor record in conference games prevents them from getting into the playoffs with a 9-7 record. To get into the playoffs, they must win both of their remaining games. Even then, they’ll need help because of the tiebreaker situation.
This includes both Kansas City and San Diego winning no more than one more game (which could be difficult since they play each other in Week 17), and at least one of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati or Baltimore losing out to remain at nine wins.
Miami’s road to the playoffs isn’t impossible, but it is extremely unlikely. Not only do the Dolphins have to win out, but they also need the Chargers to lose out, Houston to lose once and beat Baltimore, Kansas City to win out, and for the Bills to lose at least once.
This scenario creates a log jam of teams tied at 9-7 for the final playoff spot that doesn’t include Houston, Kansas City or San Diego. Miami would then get in over Buffalo based on division record, and over all of the NFC North teams based on conference record.
Next: AFC South