But we have now lost tie breakers with all other 9-7s. So we can only get in if Ten, Bal, and Mia all end up 8-8. It could happen, but looking a lot less likely. The key is Miami losing to the Jets next week. With the new wrinkle of being without their QB makes it seem more likely. A Miami win mathematically eliminates us.
Otherwise they have head to head with us (so an assumed loss for them or the scenario doesn't matter) and against the Pats who could be battling for homefield.
Ravens need to lose three of four facing @Pats, Phi, @Pit, @ Cin, so plausible.
Tennessee needs to lose two of three @KC, @Jags, Hou
Just to be clear, I'm not even remotely thinking that this actually happens. But I think that the path to the playoffs was there and wide open when we were up 24-9 to the Raiders, and Rex coached us right out of it.
But how cool would it be if they bench Tyrod, fire Rex, promote Lynn, and start Jones, and we win a very winnable game against Cleveland while Ten loses @KC, and Jets beat Miami? Regime change AND (faded) hope heading into the Miami matchup?