AFC tiebreakers ahead of week 18: Which teams would make it to the NFL playoffs in case of a tie?

As the AFC regular season draws to a close, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Some teams have secured their positions, while others are fighting hard for a spot in the postseason.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are at the top of the standings and have clinched the coveted number-one seed for only the second time in their history. With nothing left to prove in Week 18, they have decided to rest key players for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The Steelers, who are eager to make the playoffs, will try to take advantage of this opportunity.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are in a crucial position to secure the number two seed by winning against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. It will be a significant achievement for the Dolphins if they win, as they have not been in the top two since 1992.

Kansas City Chiefs

Despite being perennial contenders, the Kansas City Chiefs are currently locked into the number three seed, which is unusual for them. They will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, and even though the Chargers have had a coaching change, they have not seen much improvement.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are barely holding onto a playoff spot. They have a straight path to clinch the number four seed if they win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. However, if they lose, they may end up in wildcard uncertainty.

Cleveland Browns

At 11-5, the Cleveland Browns are firmly locked into the number five seed. They will play against the Bengals, who have nothing to play for. The Browns are on track to achieve their first 12-win season in decades.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are currently in the number six seed and face a critical game against the Miami Dolphins. If they win, they may secure a wildcard spot and potentially move up to the number two seed. However, they need to keep an eye on other outcomes, including the Steelers’ result against the Ravens.

Indianapolis Colts/Houston Texans

The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are in a winner-takes-all scenario. The Colts can clinch the number four seed with a win against the Texans and a Jaguars loss. Meanwhile, the Texans have a similar path, needing a win against the Colts and a Jaguars loss. It’s a surprising turn of events in the AFC South, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were initially expected to dominate, now facing an uphill battle.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are outside of the AFC wildcard spots. The Steelers have complex scenarios to navigate, including a potential playoff berth even with a loss to the Ravens.