Bumped from the fanposts. A nice and succinct and (I believe, at least) accurate overview of the AFC Wild Card picture. First things first, the Steelers must win this weekend. But if they do, they may very well control their own destiny heading in to Week 17. Crazy to think, but it's true. Take a gander. Go Steelers, Go Patriots, Go Eagles, Go Colts, and once more for good measure, Go Steelers! - Blitz - (Michael B.)

***************

Possible ways the Steelers make the playoffs:

FOR THE 5TH SEED

1) Steelers win out.

2) Titans win out OR Houston loses one.

3) Jags, Jets and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders.

Results:

5th seed: Pittsburgh 9-7 

6th seed: Denver 9-7

7th seed: Titans 9-7

We claim the 5th spot based on a head to head sweep of the Titans and Broncos.  Denver claims the 6th based on better conference record than the Titans.

FOR THE 6TH SEED:

1) Steelers win out.

2) Titans win out OR Houston loses one.

3) Jags, Jets and Denver lose or tie one game  (Baltimore 5th seed, Pittsburgh 6th)

OR

3) Jets and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Jags 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)

OR

3) Jags and Denver lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Jets 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)

OR

3) Jags and Jets lose or tie one game and Baltimore loses to Pittsburgh AND loses or ties the Raiders. (Denver 5th, Pittsburgh 6th)

********

I believe this covers all possibilities.

Tennessee must finish in 2nd in the South unless the 2nd place team is 8-8.

We must finish ahead of the Jets and Jags, as we would lose tie breakers against them.