Friday, December 20, 2013

Pittsburgh Steelers Still Playoff Eligible, Barely

Since the AFL-NFL merger only the 1992 San Diego Chargers made the playoffs after starting 0-4.  This year's Pittsburgh Steelers look to become the second.

The Steelers still have a lot of work and luck cut out for them in week 16 of the season, but there is still a chance.  (Top five most unlikely playoff participants.)

If the Steelers win their last two, the Miami Dolphins lose their last two, the Baltimore Ravens lose their last two, the San Diego Chargers lose one of their last two, and the New York Jets win their last two, the Steelers will make the playoffs, according to the NFL tie-breaking procedures.  Sounds easy enough.

In this scenario each team's record is 8-8.  First comes head to head.  The Dolphins beat the Steelers, but the Ravens beat the Dolphins and the Steelers and Ravens split.  The Dolphins beat the Chargers, but the Dolphins and Jets would split.  The Ravens and Steelers both beat the Jets.  Here the Chargers are eliminated (and also have the worst conference record).

Onto divisional games. The Steelers beat out the Ravens by one game and the Jets beat out the Dolphins by one game.

With the Steelers beating the Jets, the Steelers advance.