The Steelers Playoff Chances

by Norcalsteelerfan on Dec 21, 2009 12:55 PM EST Comment 13 comments

Here are the Steelers’ best chances to get to the playoffs as I see it.

-   Everything is predicated on the Steelers winning out
-   Assuming that the Bengals and the Patriots win their divisions, the teams that have a shot to be ahead of the Steelers in the wildcard race are: Broncos, Ravens Jaguars, Jets and Texans
-   If the Texans lose to either the Dolphins or Pats, they are out.
-   If the Jags lose to either the Pats or the Browns, they are out.
-   If the Jets lose to either the Colts or the Bengals, they are out.

      Here’s where it gets interesting.

-   From what understand of the wildcard tie breaking procedure, if the Steelers, Ravens and Broncos end up with the same record then the Steelers would be eliminated.
-   If only the Broncos and the Steelers are tied for the same W.C. spot, then the Steelers would win the spot.
-   If only the Steelers and Ravens are tied for the same W.C. spot, then the Ravens would win the spot.
-    So basically, either the Broncos need to lose to both the Eagles and the Chiefs or the Ravens need lose to the Raiders in addition to the Steelers.

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The Broncos only need to lose one game

That would make them 9-7 if they have 9-7 and we have 9-7 we win via tie-breaker.

"Damnit mom! You almost ran over Greg Lloyd!"

at an autograph signing back in 95. He walked out in front of our minivan, and my mom almost hit him. He apologized.

by PA ARMY OFFICER on Dec 21, 2009 1:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You're right!

You’re right. I was thinking that Denver beat the Ravens, but it was reverse. So, if the Steelers, Broncos, and Ravens are tied with the same record for spot #5, then the Ravens would get it. The Broncos and Steelers would go to spot #6 and the Steelers would win. I am much more optimistic now…Thank you!

by Norcalsteelerfan on Dec 21, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If the Steelers, Broncos, Ravens are tied for the Wild Card spots

and the Ravens win tie-breakers over the Steelers, then the Steelers unfortunately sit out the post-season, because only one team per division can enter as a wild card.

At least that’s my understanding of the rules <http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures>… see step #1 for “Three or More Clubs” under the heading “TO BREAK A TIE FOR THE WILD-CARD TEAM”.

Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman

by Alba on Dec 21, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Unless that's a new rule...

I think you’re mistaken. I can remember considerable talk only a few years ago about the NFC East getting 3 teams into the post season, so…in my opinion that isn’t an issue unless some rule change slipped past me in the last 2-3 years.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Dec 21, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would love nothing more

than to be wrong if the Steelers find themselves in that situation.

Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman

by Alba on Dec 21, 2009 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

see 2007 playoffs

IND, JAC and TEN (AFC South) and WAS, DAL and NYG (NFC East) all went to the playoffs. Any division can send 3 teams. I think the way the rule works is that when competing for the same spot, if two teams are from the same division, then only the one with the best division record is considered for that spot.

So if there’s a three-way tie at 9-7 between PIT BAL and DEN – PIT is eliminated from contention for the 5 spot, and BAL wins over DEN because of their head-to-head win this season. Then for the 6 spot, its DEN vs PIT and PIT wins due to that stomping we put on them.

I think thats how all this works. I wish someone in the press would acknowledge its a possibility and write about these scenarios. I’ve seen about 20 different opinions

by Jeebas on Dec 21, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

in another post, imike92 explains it similarly

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/12/21/1210465/playoff-possibilities#27492955

Sounds good to me! I also wish the press would clarify the situation, but with so many teams at 7-7 it’s all pretty tangled.

Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman

by Alba on Dec 22, 2009 7:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ehrm

imike29, that is

Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman

by Alba on Dec 22, 2009 7:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

old rules ,

one per division before the expanded playoff.

by steelswine on Dec 21, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is the way I read it too..

I see Philly beating Denver. they are playing for the #2 spot in the NFC so if we win out , were in,,,

by Jadygirl7 on Dec 21, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pittsburgh, Denver, Baltimore

If they all end up 9-7 and with all others below, which two teams get in? I’ve seen conflicting opinions. Does anyone have a definitive answer they are absolutely sure of?

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Dec 21, 2009 8:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Balt. Pitt.

by Steelchamps !! on Dec 23, 2009 2:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wait a minute

the broncos only have to lose once not both,1 loss would giv them a 9-7 record so if they lose 1 and those other teams lose 1 and we win out then were in,am i right im going to check the broncos record right now cause i think there 8-6 right now.

by adeeb s on Dec 22, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs