Interesting note...

[Shiny Chicken]

ESPN now actually has us on their playoff race page...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1928367

[lordofgun]

It would be a travesty if Atlanta got a first-round bye.

[Shiny Chicken]

It would be a travesty if Atlanta got a first-round bye.

How did the NFC become so putrid??

[Tatonka]

one ***** win in one of those close early games and we are right up in the mix

[Iehoshua]

one ***** win in one of those close early games and we are right up in the mix

My thoughts exactly, a W over the Jags or the Ravens... or both.

[Mr. Cynical]

AFC playoff race						NFC playoff race
Team	W	L	T	Div	Conf	Team	W	L	T	Div	Conf
1. Steelers	11	1	0	4-1	8-1	1. Eagles(z)	11	1	0	4-0	9-0
2. Patriots	11	1	0	4-0	8-1	2. Falcons	9	3	0	3-1	7-2
3. Chargers	9	3	0	4-1	7-2	3. Packers	7	5	0	2-1	6-3
4. Colts	9	3	0	4-1	5-3	4. Seattle	6	5	0	2-3	5-3
5. Jets	9	3	0	3-2	7-3	5. Vikings	7	5	0	2-2	4-4
6. Ravens	7	5	0	3-3	5-4	6. Rams	6	6	0	5-0	6-3
Broncos	7	5	0	3-3	4-4	Panthers	5	7	0	2-1	4-4
Jaguars	6	6	0	2-3	5-5	Lions	5	7	0	1-2	4-5
Bengals	6	6	0	2-4	4-6	Bucs	5	7	0	2-2	4-5
Bills	6	6	0	3-3	3-6	Giants	5	7	0	2-2	4-6
						Bears	5	7	0	2-2	4-6

Looking at this, we really have slim to no chance IMO. The Jets are not going to lose out, so they will lock up the 5th spot.

If we go 10-6, we can only get in if we are not tied with the Ravens, Jags or Broncos. They all have the advantage (Ravens/Jags have H2H, and Denver has the better AFC record). So that means those 3 teams will have to finish 2-2 or worse, while we need to be 4-0.

If we go 9-7, same thing applies, even if those other teams finish 9-7. They win the TB.

As for Cincy, they are the most "beatable" given we haven't lost to them and our records are even. But the fact that there are 3 other teams positioned in front of us really makes it almost impossible. But hey, who knows, right?

[Shiny Chicken]

If we go 10-6, we can only get in if we are not tied with the Ravens, Jags or Broncos. They all have the advantage (Ravens/Jags have H2H, and Denver has the better AFC record). So that means those 3 teams will have to finish 2-2 or worse, while we need to be 4-0.

If we go 9-7, same thing applies, even if those other teams finish 9-7. They win the TB.

As for Cincy, they are the most "beatable" given we haven't lost to them and our records are even. But the fact that there are 3 other teams positioned in front of us really makes it almost impossible.

Not so impossible if you look at who those three teams are playing the last four weeks. 2-2 for the ravens and broncos is not out of the question by any means. And one loss by the Jags is most certainly not out of the question. The biggest question mark is really the Bills themselves. I have confidence for them against the Bengals... I don't think it's going to be as bad as some think. The big question is if we can come to play against the Steelers. If playoffs are on the line for us and Pittsburgh's hoome field advantage, or lack thereof, is signed sealed and delivered by week 17, our chances are not that bad... especially with the game in Buffalo. If we win out, we deserve to be in the playoffs, and if we win out, our chances are not that bad at all.

[FTG]

The Ravens, Broncos, and Jags will all finish 9-7 IMO. If we win out we will get in. I just don't see us winning out. We will lose to either Cinci or the Steelers

[FTG]

If Nate Clements had just knocked the damn ball down we sure would be looking good right now.

[Michael82]

If Nate Clements had just knocked the damn ball down we sure would be looking good right now.

Did you have to remind us?

[OpIv37]

ESPN now actually has us on their playoff race page...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1928367

ESPN also had us listed on their playoff scenario graphic last week. I know it's a long shot but man, it's glorious....

[Typ0]

It's pretty clear we were one player away from a great shot at a playoff berth...and that player was Lawyer Milloy earlier in the season.

[Mr. Cynical]

It's pretty clear we were one player away from a great shot at a playoff berth...and that player was Lawyer Milloy earlier in the season.

I agree we were one player away from a great shot at a playoff berth, although I'm thinking about a different one. And I bet you can guess who that is.

[helmetguy]

Yeah, we can guess. He should come of the bench for Clemens, played CB for a series, knocked the ball down, then stayed on the field to kneel it out. Or, we coulda outbid Washington for Brunell. Or, we coulda fired TD and hired the as yet unidentified (and unemployed) personnel genius as GM. Or, we coulda hired Tom Coughlin, so that JP could jump start the offense on his one good leg. Or.....

[Mr. Cynical]

Yeah, we can guess. He should come of the bench for Clemens, played CB for a series, knocked the ball down, then stayed on the field to kneel it out. Or, we coulda outbid Washington for Brunell. Or, we coulda fired TD and hired the as yet unidentified (and unemployed) personnel genius as GM. Or, we coulda hired Tom Coughlin, so that JP could jump start the offense on his one good leg. Or.....

....the Bills can have a 4th consecutive non-playoff year and you can be happy about it.