Week 18 Rooting Interests

[BillsShredder83]

Quote

1.... As far down as the conference's No. 7 seed, where the Broncos continue to waste win-and-in opportunities. However, even after their latest setback, Saturday's overtime letdown in Cincinnati, Denver's playoff chances sit at a healthy 83%. The Broncos can clinch the third AFC wild-card spot with a win or tie at home against the Chiefs, who are expected to rest their starters in the regular-season finale. That said, if Denver were to lose to Carson Wentz and Co., then wins by either Miami (at Jets) or Cincinnati (at Steelers) would knock the Broncos out of contention. Denver will undoubtedly be heavy favorites against K.C.'s B team. But by kickoff, that group of second-stringers will have had more than 10 days to prepare for their time in the spotlight. And they'll still be led by Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo -- one of the most successful coaching combos in NFL history. So, let's not allocate the seventh seed to the Broncos just yet.

 

2.  Of the two 8-8 teams aspiring to unseat Denver, Miami has a major advantage over Cincinnati because of the Fins' favorable record against AFC teams. The Dolphins' one-game edge in conference play would serve as the differentiator in the event of a two- or three-way tie at 9-8. Thus, the only way Cincinnati can still clinch a berth is with a win on Saturday and losses by the Broncos and Dolphins on Sunday. That might seem like a lot -- and, to be fair, it is, at this stage -- but it's at least straightforward ... unlike the convoluted mess the Bengals were in more than a month ago. In fact, Cincinnati is three times more likely to make the playoffs today than it was on Dec. 3. That's not nothing, even if it's short of what the Bengals want.

#1 Most Ideal:  Bills Play MIA (MIA wins & Cinci wins). Baltimore draws Pittsburgh (my ideal draw for Baltimore).  This is a bit complicated, I wont cheer on Cinci, but would be pleased if it happens this way

 

#2 Ideal: Cinci Loses. While not my 'ideal' scenario, the one I'll be rooting for out of simplicity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

--Buffalo plays the 7th seed no matter what: which can only be Denver, , Dolphins, or Bengals.  I'd prefer the Fins of the 3 teams.... so week 18 I'd be rooting for KC to beat DEN, and Fins to beat the Jets

 

--Cinci Loss to Steelers is easiest/most preferred, I'd rather they dont get in... however If Cinci wins,  Baltimore draws Steelers in the 1st Rd, which I like as the divisional opponent feels most likely to be able to knock them off, PLUS if the Fins Win, Cinci still misses playoffs.  So while I think that's ideal, Id rather not play with fire and let Cinci off themselves.

 

-Side Note: NE getting #1 or #2 overall pick.  If we beat Pats, theyre locked into #1.  However, if our backups lose (NE wins) AND the lose to HOU's backups (HOU is locked into #4 seed)... Titans get #1 overall and NE #2.  While this might not seem like a big deal, if NE gets #1 I'd expect them to trade out of this spot for a Fat Package of Draft Picks, so Let's go TN!!!

 

Who you guys rooting for?

 

Quoted link: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-picture-postseason-probabilities-entering-week-18-of-2024-season

Playoff machine: https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

 

Edited Thursday at 08:45 PM by BillsShredder83
error about TN

[Bills fan since 87]

Pittsburgh would need to lose but also have the Chargers win to fall to the 6 spot.  Which is likely, given they play the Raiders but I'm not sure who is playing for the Chargers in that game and who isn't.

 

Agree 100% with you though, I would love a Ravens/Steelers playoff game, if nothing else those teams beat the heck out of each other 

[Steptide]

Can't see how Denver loses, but anything is possible. Also, I'd rather play Denver than Miami personally. Rookie qb coming to Buffalo is better Imo than Tua, who's been here and has alot of experience against the bills. Not that I think Miami is nearly as good as buffalo, but it's a division game and wacky things can happen 

[T.E.]

16 minutes ago, Steptide said:

16 minutes ago, Steptide said:

Can't see how Denver loses, but anything is possible. Also, I'd rather play Denver than Miami personally. Rookie qb coming to Buffalo is better Imo than Tua, who's been here and has alot of experience against the bills. Not that I think Miami is nearly as good as buffalo, but it's a division game and wacky things can happen 

 

This is my exact preference for the reasons you mentioned, but I could totally see KC winning that game against Denver with Wentz at the helm.

Edited Thursday at 07:34 PM by T.E.

[frostbitmic]

Go Browns

Go Broncos

Go Steelers

 

[Bob Chandler's Hands]

I'd love to see a hobbled Tua (he's going to miss his second game in a row this week) or Tyler Huntley lead the Dolphins to frigid Orchard Park to be absolutely pounded by the Bills, yet again. 

 

That said, bringing rookie Bo Nix and the Broncos to Buffalo is fine as well. 

 

Would prefer to avoid the Burrow/Chase/Higgins show.  

[WotAGuy]

54 minutes ago, BillsShredder83 said:

Side Note: NE getting #1 or #2 overall pick.  If we beat Pats, theyre locked into #1.  However, if our backups lose (NE wins) AND the Titans beat HOU's backups (HOU is locked into #4 seed)... Titans get #1 overall and NE #2.  While this might not seem like a big deal, if NE gets #1 I'd expect them to trade out of this spot for a Fat Package of Draft Picks, so Let's go TN!!!

 

Who you guys rooting for?

 

Quoted link: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-picture-postseason-probabilities-entering-week-18-of-2024-season

Playoff machine: https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

 

Why root for TN win?  Wouldn’t a loss be better?

[BillsfaninSB]

I would love a Pitt/Balt match up #3.  I bet the NFL puts them on the Monday night game.  Short week for the Ravens if they come to Buffalo.

 

But having Cincinnati win is flying too close to the sun for me.

 

Edited Thursday at 07:55 PM by BillsfaninSB

[Big Blitz]

Cleveland cementing a bid to get that first pick overall.  
 

 

[Orlando Buffalo]

I would love to have the Saturday game and also have BAL play PIT in the first round. PIT beats you up and hopefully they get their crap figured out by then. 

[JohnNord]

20 minutes ago, Bob Chandler's Hands said:

I'd love to see a hobbled Tua (he's going to miss his second game in a row this week) or Tyler Huntley lead the Dolphins to frigid Orchard Park to be absolutely pounded by the Bills, yet again. 

 

That said, bringing rookie Bo Nix and the Broncos to Buffalo is fine as well. 

 

Would prefer to avoid the Burrow/Chase/Higgins show.  

What is the deal with Tua?  I have read that he injured his hip vs. Houston and it worsened against SF.  But last week, I kept reading he felt he was good enough to start and was pushing the training staff to play.   Yet in Week 18 with playoffs on the line, he is sitting.

 

is it fair to say the injury may be more significant than what was reported?

5 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

Cleveland cementing a bid to get that first pick overall.  
 

 

If Zappe started versus Cincinnati or Miami, there’s a chance one of those teams would be knocked out of the playoffs.

 

DTR is a horrible QB

[Big Blitz]

1 hour ago, BillsShredder83 said:

#1 Most Ideal:  Bills Play MIA (MIA wins & Cinci wins). Baltimore draws Pittsburgh (my ideal draw for Baltimore).  This is a bit complicated, I wont cheer on Cinci, but would be pleased if it happens this way

 

#2 Ideal: Cinci Loses. While not my 'ideal' scenario, the one I'll be rooting for out of simplicity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

--Buffalo plays the 7th seed no matter what: which can only be Denver, , Dolphins, or Bengals.  I'd prefer the Fins of the 3 teams.... so week 18 I'd be rooting for KC to beat DEN, and Fins to beat the Jets

 

--Cinci Loss to Steelers is easiest/most preferred, I'd rather they dont get in... however If Cinci wins,  Baltimore draws Steelers in the 1st Rd, which I like as the divisional opponent feels most likely to be able to knock them off, PLUS if the Fins Win, Cinci still misses playoffs.  So while I think that's ideal, Id rather not play with fire and let Cinci off themselves.

 

-Side Note: NE getting #1 or #2 overall pick.  If we beat Pats, theyre locked into #1.  However, if our backups lose (NE wins) AND the Titans beat HOU's backups (HOU is locked into #4 seed)... Titans get #1 overall and NE #2.  While this might not seem like a big deal, if NE gets #1 I'd expect them to trade out of this spot for a Fat Package of Draft Picks, so Let's go TN!!!

 

Who you guys rooting for?

 

Quoted link: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-picture-postseason-probabilities-entering-week-18-of-2024-season

Playoff machine: https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

 

 

I think I’m in the root for Pittsburgh to win so the Chargers get Baltimore camp.  
 

Either way, Baltimore will get a physical game.  
 

I'd rather the Chargers play Baltimore I think they have the better shot to beat the Ravens.   

[JP51]

1 hour ago, BillsShredder83 said:

#1 Most Ideal:  Bills Play MIA (MIA wins & Cinci wins). Baltimore draws Pittsburgh (my ideal draw for Baltimore).  This is a bit complicated, I wont cheer on Cinci, but would be pleased if it happens this way

 

#2 Ideal: Cinci Loses. While not my 'ideal' scenario, the one I'll be rooting for out of simplicity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

--Buffalo plays the 7th seed no matter what: which can only be Denver, , Dolphins, or Bengals.  I'd prefer the Fins of the 3 teams.... so week 18 I'd be rooting for KC to beat DEN, and Fins to beat the Jets

 

--Cinci Loss to Steelers is easiest/most preferred, I'd rather they dont get in... however If Cinci wins,  Baltimore draws Steelers in the 1st Rd, which I like as the divisional opponent feels most likely to be able to knock them off, PLUS if the Fins Win, Cinci still misses playoffs.  So while I think that's ideal, Id rather not play with fire and let Cinci off themselves.

 

-Side Note: NE getting #1 or #2 overall pick.  If we beat Pats, theyre locked into #1.  However, if our backups lose (NE wins) AND the Titans beat HOU's backups (HOU is locked into #4 seed)... Titans get #1 overall and NE #2.  While this might not seem like a big deal, if NE gets #1 I'd expect them to trade out of this spot for a Fat Package of Draft Picks, so Let's go TN!!!

 

Who you guys rooting for?

 

Quoted link: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-picture-postseason-probabilities-entering-week-18-of-2024-season

Playoff machine: https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

 

So I think priority 1 to me is Pittsburgh gets the 6 seed... meaning a loss to Cinci... I would love for them to play the Ravens in the opening rd.  After that for me I think the Bronco's with a rookie QB i would prefer over all...i would prefer to not play Cinci, so I will root for a Bronco's win first, then begrudgingly for the Phins to beat the Jets.. its easier to root for Miami when they are playing NYJ....  that being said.. if you are gonna with the Super Bowl... beat whomever you are playing in week one of the tournament at home... if you dont you werent good enough to win it all... so I am not going to be freaking out regardless of the 7 seed outcome... 

[Gregg]

I want the Bills to play the Broncos on WC weekend so Broncos over Chiefs. This scenario eliminates the Dolphins and Bengals which is fine by me.

[stinky finger]

I've agreed to 3 scenarios in this thread.

 

Help!

[Bob Chandler's Hands]

19 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

What is the deal with Tua?  I have read that he injured his hip vs. Houston and it worsened against SF.  But last week, I kept reading he felt he was good enough to start and was pushing the training staff to play.   Yet in Week 18 with playoffs on the line, he is sitting.

 

is it fair to say the injury may be more significant than what was reported?

 

Has to be bad. Aside from the horrible concussion issues, this is the same guy who had major hip surgery in college. He's just not physically built for the NFL. 

[mushypeaches]

Give me Miami all day in the WC round.  I get the whole "3X in one year, any given Sunday" stuff...

 

But does anyone think they're actually going to come into a frigid Buffalo environment and win?  

Did anyone watch their performance against KC last year?  They practically gave up the minute they got off the bus

[Blackbeard]

2 minutes ago, mushypeaches said:

Give me Miami all day in the WC round.  I get the whole "3X in one year, any given Sunday" stuff...

 

But does anyone think they're actually going to come into a frigid Buffalo environment and win?  

Did anyone watch their performance against KC last year?  They practically gave up the minute they got off the bus

Last thing we want is a completely focused Dolphins team, looking to get TWO huge monkeys off their backs:  Playoff win drought and bragging rights for knocking us out.

 

BRING.  ON.  ROOKIE.  QB.

[BillsShredder83]

1 hour ago, T.E. said:

This is my exact preference for the reasons you mentioned, but I could totally see KC winning that game against Denver with Wentz at the helm.

This is a forgone conclusion to me.  That team is arrogant enough to overplay their hand, with nothing to gain and everything to lose.  Wentz will ball out and Denver will 'Denver' again.  I even have a small bet on it as it pays 4:1.  Nix has been impressive and I like that kid, but Spags defense comes prepared and grabs a pick or two to win IMO.

[FireChans]

1 hour ago, BillsShredder83 said:

#1 Most Ideal:  Bills Play MIA (MIA wins & Cinci wins). Baltimore draws Pittsburgh (my ideal draw for Baltimore).  This is a bit complicated, I wont cheer on Cinci, but would be pleased if it happens this way

 

#2 Ideal: Cinci Loses. While not my 'ideal' scenario, the one I'll be rooting for out of simplicity.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

--Buffalo plays the 7th seed no matter what: which can only be Denver, , Dolphins, or Bengals.  I'd prefer the Fins of the 3 teams.... so week 18 I'd be rooting for KC to beat DEN, and Fins to beat the Jets

 

--Cinci Loss to Steelers is easiest/most preferred, I'd rather they dont get in... however If Cinci wins,  Baltimore draws Steelers in the 1st Rd, which I like as the divisional opponent feels most likely to be able to knock them off, PLUS if the Fins Win, Cinci still misses playoffs.  So while I think that's ideal, Id rather not play with fire and let Cinci off themselves.

 

-Side Note: NE getting #1 or #2 overall pick.  If we beat Pats, theyre locked into #1.  However, if our backups lose (NE wins) AND the Titans beat HOU's backups (HOU is locked into #4 seed)... Titans get #1 overall and NE #2.  While this might not seem like a big deal, if NE gets #1 I'd expect them to trade out of this spot for a Fat Package of Draft Picks, so Let's go TN!!!

 

Who you guys rooting for?

 

Quoted link: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-playoff-picture-postseason-probabilities-entering-week-18-of-2024-season

Playoff machine: https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

 

Rooting for the Broncos to lose while Miami plays the Jets seems like REALLY bad juju if the Bengals have already won Saturday.

 

I will be rooting for the Broncos to win, the Dolphins to win and the Bengals to lose. It is far more important the Bengals stay out above all else.