Follow this theory like a string (pretty sure that's how it works but, hey, I'm not a theoretical physicist). With Tannehill possibly done and the Bills...well...the Bills, its pretty clear second in the AFCE is ours for the taking. Vikes gets us to 4 wins and even though there are some good AFC teams vying for the wildcard--the schedule could get us to 9 wins which might be enough and if we pull something out of our asses, possibly 10. The Bears suck and Kahlil Mack may still be banged up (and even still, he's never won anything ergo propter hoc--he can't win anything) so we're coming back with a win. We're going to beat the Dolphins to because it will no longer be Brocktober and I think they fade into obscurity. Notwithstanding our penchant for losing to really bad Bills teams, we're going to sweep them...lol I can't believe how awful that QB situation has become. That's 8 wins with a game remaining against the Titans, who, if we can't beat we don't deserve to fantasize about the playoffs--making it 9. We just need to win 1 game out of the Pats 2X, Pack at home and Texans at home. Hurts that we would lose a tie-breaker to the Jags although we have the tie-breaker with the Broncos, but it starts with the Vikings. Too soon?
Or Schrodinger's Cat applies and the fact that you've "observed" the future by laying it out here has already determined the outcome. https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Schrodingers-cat
As of today in the AFC West - KC is 5-1 with LAC 4-2. AFC North - Cin and Bal 4-2 with Pit 3-2-1 The AFC South will probably only send a division winner with Ten, Hou, Jac all tied for 1st at 3-3. In our division NE, Mia are 4-2. Lots of competition to get into the playoffs from the AFC this year. Like many posters have said in other threads I think the Jets are a year away and 2019 is when they make the playoffs assuming they have a good offseason. I wouldn't count on sweeping Buffalo as their D is pretty good and the Jets usually have a tough time in Orchard Park no matter how good/bad the Bills are.
Players and coaches can take it one game at a time, as a fan I'm already preparing for the draft by figuring out which type of beer i'm going to throw at my TV in round one when we draft a Defensive lineman.
While I like the theory, it is dead on arrival if we lose this Sunday. Should have held it until (or if) we won the game. That said, while the theory is fine in and of itself, the AFC is looking stronger this year. We'll need the dolphins, bengals and steelers all to finish behind us at this point. Chargers may fall a bit as they seem to always be good, but never focused enough to win games, but this year has a different vibe for them.
I know this is sarcastic but just the fact that these posts of Hope and Joy are coming in fast and furious after 2 wins, shows the phenomenon at work...
I'll tell you after the vikings & bears games if I'm even remotely thinking playoffs. We have to beat teams like the vikings & bears to make playoffs. I'm not a pessimistic person but we're so banged up in secondary & receiver that it would be a near miracle to beat them.
If the Jets beat a Vikings team (Who went to the NFC Championship Game and added Kirk Cousins) with Maye, Johnson, Skrine, Enunwa, and Pryor OUT, I think it is realistic to begin considering the chance they could make the playoffs. That would be an impressive win to improve to (4-3). It won't be easy though. In fact, I think it is unlikely.
I don't think a 9 win AFC team with a 3 and 1 or 4 and 0 record against the NFC is going to the playoffs. Chicago in Chicago is going to be a tough spot. I think you need the at least 7 in the AFC to make the playoffs. You need Buffalo 2, Miami, Houston, TN and one of the 3 Min, Greenbay and Chicago. If I was a beating man Green Bay at home might be the easiest of the 3 NFC games we have left. Rodgers might not be able to walk by game 15.
They blew a 14-0 lead to Cleveland. No games are gimmes for 'em no matter what happens against Minnesota. It's a house money season. Just enjoy the ride.