Buffalo’s playoff hopes are razor thin at this point, and though they need some help, the wins they’ll be looking for aren’t unrealistic.
Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
The Bills have a 1 pm game on Saturday against a Dolphins team trying to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win and a Denver loss this weekend. Buffalo still has a slight chance of staying alive for the postseason for another week, but a few things need to happen.
Below we take a look at the games that most significantly impact Buffalo’s slim playoffs hopes.
For reference, here are the NFL Tiebreaking Procedures and an updated look at the conference standings.
Saturday 1 pm games that impact Buffalo
Tennessee (8-6) vs. Jacksonville (2-12)
The Bills need at least one of the 8-6 AFC South teams to lose this weekend to stay alive in the playoff race (assuming a Bills win over Miami). Tennessee is one of those teams. Buffalo needs a big day from the Doug Marrone-led Jaguars. Root for the Jaguars.
Saturday 4 pm game that impacts Buffalo
Indianapolis Colts (7-7) vs. Oakland Raiders (11-3)
It’s not a must that the Raiders beat the Colts in this game, but it would eliminate the need to have the Colts lose in Week 17 when they face the Jaguars at home. Buffalo would prefer the Raiders post win number 12. Root for the Raiders.
Saturday night game that impacts Buffalo
Cincinnati (5-8-1) vs. Houston (8-6)
Buffalo needs a big day from the Bengals. Fortunately A.J. Green looks like he’ll be returning to Cincinnati’s lineup to face the Texans with Tom Savage at quarterback. As stated above either the Titans or the Texans have to lose this week (or both) to keep Buffalo alive another week. Root for the Bengals.
Sunday 4 pm game that impacts Buffalo
Baltimore (8-6) vs. Pittsburgh (9-5)
At this point Buffalo needs Pittsburgh to win and seal the AFC North title. Beating Baltimore is essential to keep the Bills alive in the playoff race. If the Ravens win, Buffalo’s playoff hopes are over. Root for the Steelers.
Sunday night game that impacts Buffalo
Denver (8-6) vs. Kansas City (10-4)
A Denver loss this week is not a must to keep Buffalo’s playoff hopes alive this week, but it would certainly help their cause. The Broncos lost 30-27 to the Chiefs in their first meeting a month ago. Root for the Chiefs.