It�s amazing what a week can do.
Just when there�s hope of a �top seed�, we go out and play with the worst focus I have ever seen from an offensive unit in quite some time. It was acceptable, at times, to witness the bumbling of retards like Walter Abercrombie and Mark Malone, but when a team with this kind of talent and toughness plays like that, I don�t know what to think. It all points to this Mill-ism� "The offensive savior is back, let�s stand around and watch him win the game for us." Phantom also pointed out that, many, not one (Maddox) were responsible for the O-side debacle. I can�t believe that some people are questioning Maddox now.
Anyway, lets look at how annoying this loss is in the perspective of the AFC race.
Of the eight appointed contenders discussed last week, four lost; Steelers, Colts, Broncos, and the Chargers. The respective winners were; Raiders, Titans, Dolphins, and the Pats. The division races are shown with their remaining schedules and records.
AFC North
|
Team |
Record |
Division |
AFC |
Week 15 |
Week 16 |
Week 17 |
|
Steelers |
7-5-1 |
5-0 |
7-4 |
Carolina |
@TB |
Baltimore |
|
Browns |
7-6 |
2-3 |
6-4 |
Indy |
@Bal |
Atlanta |
The Browns are dangerously close to stealing the division from the Stillers, but they have a couple of tough home games where they are 2-4. The Stillers are still looking for their first NFC victory. I just do not see the Browns pulling this one out. I�m still looking at the bigger picture of winning the division and what seed we can get.
AFC South
|
Team |
Record |
Division |
AFC |
Week 15 |
Week 16 |
Week 17 |
|
Titans |
8-5 |
4-0 |
6-3 |
NE |
@J�ville |
@Houston |
|
Colts |
8-5 |
3-2 |
6-4 |
@Clev |
NYGiants |
J�ville |
The Colts could win out having the last two at home in December, but they need a Titan loss for the division. Only a Cleveland speed-bump lies in the way. The Titans hold the tie-breaker and if they can beat the Pats on Monday night, they could wrap it up. If that does happen, this division could be the one that squeezes the Pats out of the playoffs. Darn!
AFC East
|
Team |
Record |
Division |
AFC |
Week 15 |
Week 16 |
Week 17 |
|
Dolphins |
8-5 |
2-3 |
6-4 |
Oakland |
@Minn |
@NE |
|
Patriots |
8-5 |
3-1 |
5-4 |
@Tenn |
NY Jets |
Miami |
I did not include the 7-6 Jets who have 6 losses already. The Dolphins have already beaten the Pats earlier, so they hold the key to the division if they sweep the series in the season finale. As stated above, the Pats could easily go 9-7, and miss the playoffs. The wild card race is a crazy one right now.
AFC West
|
Team |
Record |
Division |
AFC |
Week 15 |
Week 16 |
Week 17 |
|
Raiders |
9-4 |
2-2 |
7-2 |
@Miami |
Denver |
KC |
|
Chargers |
8-5 |
3-2 |
6-4 |
@Buffalo |
@KC |
Seattle |
Not included are the Chiefs and the Broncos who face each other this week. The winner of that game will then rise into the long-shot rankings of playoff berths. While everyone is penciling in the Raiders as the �top seed�, they have one of the toughest schedules remaining. The Chargers do too. The Chiefs, if they can win-out, could still win the division with a little help. The Chargers gotta be wondering about last year�s tailspin, and the two December road games look tougher and tougher for this southern Cal team.
Synopsis
Like I said, it�s amazing what a week can do. I actually think the AFC is more muddled now than last week. To me, I see the Titans and Raiders with the best shots for a first round bye. The Dolphins and Steelers hold their division futures in their hands. The wild card race for only two teams is going to be the most exciting race in years, and will come down to the last games. Look for Indy to grab the first wild-card spot. The Chargers and the Pats will be fighting for the last spot.
We could be hosting the Colts while the Pats and Dolphins square off again in the first round.
If the Pats win, they go to Oakland and (assuming a victory) the Stillers travel to Tennessee - again.
I�ll let you take it from there.
Later.
Still Pipe