NFL Playoff Picture: Breaking Down Intriguing AFC Sixth Seed Scenarios

There are a number of teams still alive in the fight for the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs.

It’s quite a desirable position to fall into this year because the team that captures this seed gets matched up against a banged up and fading Houston Texans.

Let’s take a look at each team that still has a chance of grabbing this spot and what needs to happen for them to get it.

Cincinnati Bengals

These guys lock up the sixth seed by either earning a win/tie, watching the Jets and Raiders lose/tie, or if the Jets and Broncos lose/tie.

They are the only team that still controls their own destiny in the AFC and just needs to win against Baltimore in Week 17 to advance to the playoffs in rookie QB Andy Dalton’s first year.

That is far easier said than done, but they still have a shot even if they don’t beat Baltimore.

New York Jets

The Jets can make the playoffs this year, but they will need some help.

No matter what happens they need a win and then either a Cincinnati loss, a Tennessee loss/tie and an Oakland loss/tie or a Cincinnati loss, Tennessee loss/tie and Denver loss/tie.

It’s not looking likely, but crazier things have happened and it wouldn’t be surprising to see two AFC West teams drop winnable games in Week 17.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders can actually still earn a four seed and win the division if they are victorious and Denver loses. If the Broncos win, here’s what needs to happen for them to get the sixth seed.

They’ll need a win no matter what and then a Cincy loss and Titans loss/tie or a Cincy loss and Jets win.

Tennessee Titans

It’s insane that this team is still alive in the postseason hunt, but they actually are.

Here are the miracles that need to take place to see this Titans team in the playoffs.

They need a win and then a Cincy loss, plus either a Jets win and Oakland loss or Jets win and Denver loss or Jets loss, Oakland win and Broncos win.

So those are the last teams remaining in the hunt for the last wild-card spot in the AFC and how they can get there. It’s going to get damn interesting if Cincy drops their game against Baltimore this Sunday.