Chiefs Steelers 1 seed using ESPN playoff machine...

I just went through a bunch of scenarios to see how the Steelers can get the 1 seed over the Chiefs if they somehow lose this game in Buffalo and win out the last 3 games and the Chiefs lose in either Miami Sunday or next Sunday in New Orleans and win their last two games with Atlanta and The Chargers and both finish 14-2 and it’s not possible. The Chiefs win the common opponents tiebreaker in this scenario because they beat the Bills and the Steelers didn’t.

However, that all changes if the Steelers win Sunday in Buffalo and the Chiefs lose to either Miami or in New Orleans next week. If the Steelers beat the Bills and the Chiefs lose to either Miami or the Saints the Steelers assuming of course they beat the Bengals next week which they most likely will could still lose to either the Colts or Browns doesn’t matter which one one of those last two weeks and still win the tiebreaker over the Chiefs at 14-2 based on strength of victory.

So that’s why this game with the Bills is monumental when it comes to that number 1 seed. There is essentially no way the Steelers can lose this game and get the 1 seed unless the Chiefs lose 2 out of the last 4 games and that most likely is just not gonna happen But if the Steelers win this game in Buffalo Sunday night and the Chiefs either lose in Miami or New Orleans one of the next 2 weeks the Steelers assuming they win in Cincy next Monday night could clinch the 1 seed and homefield with a win over the Colts here 2 days after Christmas. That means the last game in Cleveland would then mean absolutely nothing and the Steelers could rest guys and do whatever they need to do in the game as it would be meaningless. So again needless to say this game in Buffalo holds maybe not all the cards but a huge huge majority of them when it comes to getting that top seed based on the end result. It’s a huge huge game the Steelers desperately need to win.

 

Yes it’s a huge game @Bills but the Steelers are beat up bad on defence and are probably going to lose. I really really hope I am wrong. That bye week that comes with the #1 seed would be a total game changer for the Steelers, it’s such a huge advantage at that stage of the season. We saw last Monday the impact of a rested team facing a weary and beat up one.

I think KC loses @saints next weekend in a dress rehearsal for the SuperBowl but they’ll still get the #1 seed imo, probably deservedly

 

Thanks for this. I was wondering what the scenarios would be if the Chiefs ended up losing to the Saints but the Steelers lost another game to an AFC opponent.

Monumental game Sunday Night indeed.

 

Here's HeinzMustard's playoff machine:

Chiefs WRs can catch the ball, O-line can run block, RBs can pick up 3 or 4 yards when needed and Chiefs play decent defense. Bills? See Chiefs.

Steelers WRs can't catch the ball, O-line can't run block, RBs can't even get 1 yard and Steelers play good defense, but have many good players out either on IR or missing a few games.

Bottom line: Steelers are one and done. It's gonna be a long and grueling December and a short January.

 

They will be playing the Chiefs in the AFC Championship I still believe it’s just a question now of whether the game will be at Heinz Field or Arrowhead Stadium. Sunday nights game and end results in Buffalo can maybe give us more clarity to answering that exact question. I’ll say this much after starting 11-0 This Steelers team had better damn sure make it to the AFC Championship game at the very least worst case scenario. I can’t see them being one and done though whether they have the bye week or have to play 3 games instead of two. They will at least make it to Divisional weekend.

 

What you said is a pragmatist (I am one) reality of where we are, I actually can see a better O if some boneheads make some adjustments in their play, and those above in who they put on the field and they do the job...will it happen, well has not so far. As for the D we will get some help back, but when your current starting ILB's are a guy you just traded for and a couple of unproven safeties filling in, and those below them are a guy who has been on 7 teams and a guy who has spent nearly his first 2 years on IR...it does make one cautious when the betting app appears.

 

Stop it

 

2020 has been a strange year. The Chiefs may end up with a Covid outbreak as well. All it takes is for a few players to test positive, and the next thing you know you are playing at 4 in the morning on a Tuesday, with your 5th string wr playing quarterback.

 

I was looking for a "Very Pessimistic" icon to click for your post, but we only have the "Very Optimistic" rainbow icon. LOL.

 

We will see what mettle the Steelers bring on Sunday night.

I am forever the optimist, but recognize several things.

Home games are nice.
Away games don’t lack the competitive advantage with small or no crowds.
After 2 years not making the playoffs, expect to win division and be no worse than 3 seed.
If Steelers are 3 seed, they’ll play the 6 seed then likely the 2 seed. Meaning they’ll have to get past Buffalo to get to the championship game.
Winning against Buffalo secures the 2 seed (paired with beating Cindy). But that still puts them against Buffalo in the divisional round.

People are looking forward to championship game against KC.
This year has a 2017 feel to it. Swap Shazier for Bush/Spillane, swap Jacksonville for Buffalo, Swap NE for KC. Swap Jesse James for all the receivers.

Tomlin forgot to unleash Hell last December. Perhaps a true week of practice will turn up the heat this December.

 

I'll remember this thread when we finish 12-4 and the Browns win division at 13-3.

Pay no heed to my post. Family members said I was way to optimistic this season and I'm usually doom and gloom so I've been told changes need to be made.

 

All it’s about is the bye week.

 

I’m in favor of winning out to get that. But they might have to take it against Cleveland.

 

Browns have their own demons to face against Baltimore. Frankly, I want them both to lose.

 

Unless Kansas City loses one more game. We’re all Dolphin fans this weekend.

 

And then Saints fan’s next weekend

 

Factor in at least 3 losses in last 4 games because that is how we're looking right now. I'm just hoping we can still best the Bungels. Could be another end of year meltdown. All because of poor offensive coaching and play execution with talented personnel. At least we didn't have a losing season.

 

I feel sorry for Roethlisberger. He's been playing lights out... I don't care about the short passing game. If the damn WRs would catch the ball, Steelers would be 12-0. Easily. Ben has been the constant on offense...but his O-line, RBs, WRs and TEs have failed him. Miserably.