Breaking down the Titans' path to the playoffs
Joe Rexrode, senior Titans beat writer: To make the playoffs and clinch the AFC South for the first time since 2008, it's simple for the Titans: Win in the regular-season finale at Houston. If the Titans lose to fall to 10-6, they are still in as long as one of the following three teams lose: Indianapolis, Miami and Baltimore. If the Colts, Dolphins and Ravens all win and the Titans get shocked by the 4-11 Texans, they will be a 10-6 team on the outside looking in — after twice making the six-team AFC playoffs in the past three seasons with 9-7 records.
What changed for the Steelers offense in the comeback?
Ed Bouchette, senior Steelers beat writer: The Steelers did something to spark them in the second half they’ve been mostly reluctant to do much of the season — throw intermediate and deep routes. Not only did that produce a 39-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Diontae Johnson, but it also resulted in a couple of key pass-interference penalties. It also opened up some space for underneath passes as the Colts defense loosened up, and provided room for James Conner on a few runs and short passes late. The Steelers stubbornly stuck to the short passes most of the season, but their success throwing it longer may bode well for them when they open the playoffs.
How dangerous are the Ravens?
Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens beat writer: They're playing their best football of the season at the right time. Their offense is now consistently resembling the one that led the team to a 14-2 regular season last year. The Giants have a pretty good defense, and the Ravens pretty much drove on them at will until they got a little sloppy late.
Lamar Jackson played another strong game, hurting the Giants with both his arm and legs. If you can run the ball, control the time of possession and not turn the ball over, you are a dangerous team in the playoffs. The Ravens now just need to get in.
How damaging was the Browns' loss?
Zac Jackson, Browns beat writer: The Browns blew a chance to clinch a playoff spot Sunday, but all is not lost. Based on what we know now about a potential five-team tiebreaker of teams with 11-5 records, the Browns can still play their way in next week by beating the Steelers. Though that hasn't been easy for the Browns over the past couple of years (or decades), the Steelers have already clinched the AFC North by virtue of their win over the Colts and really have nothing to play for next week.
The Steelers are still trying to find themselves a bit, but they could be inclined to play things safe. The Browns were severely shorthanded in their loss to the Jets and were dominated at the line of scrimmage, but they still have hope.
(Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
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