Wildcard/Division Title Watch: Week 10
We need to go out there and do our best … One game at a time … Every game is a must win game … We can’t worry about what other teams do. Whatver!!
Kirk Cassels is going to be writing a weekly column looking at the best of who’s around, and what victories and losses might play out to the best benefit of the Jets.
When the Jets won the AFC East in 2002, fans watched the final regular season game versus Green Bay while awaiting word on who won the Phins versus Pats matchup that afternoon. An overtime FG won it for the Pats, setting the three teams’ records at 9-7. New York advanced on better record in common games (8-4 to 7-5) compared to New England and a better division record when compared to Miami (4-2 to 2-4). Since then, playoff appearances were granted on wildcard tickets, which required as much of a win here and a loss there across the league.
In 2004, Gang Green ended the season with a tough 32-29 overtime loss to the Rams, putting them at 10-6. But the Steelers beat the Bills that same day which made the Broncos the only other 10-6 team and sealed playoff spot.
In 2006, the Jaguars lost there final three games of the season, finishing at 8-8, eliminating them as the biggest threat to our playoff spot as the Broncos fell to the 49ers in week 17. Needless to say, every Jets game counted then as much as every other game mattered that week.
2008 is no different. As we hold tightly in three-way tie for first place with the Bills and Pats, the Ravens are even with us at 5-3 record-wise, as the Phins and Colts are close behind at 4-4. Every week, almost every game matters. So we’re giving you a rundown of which Week 10 games to keep an eye on and who to pray wins.
Denver (4-4) vs Cleveland (3-5)- Go Browns!
In the first Thursday night game, a Brady Quinn-lead win for the Browns over the Broncos is in our best interest as the Steelers and Ravens look to be the division/wildcard contenders right now in the AFC North. A 4-5 Broncos drops them behind us (if we beat the Rams of course) and forces them to focus on the battle for the AFC West with the Chargers
Baltimore (5-3) vs Houston (3-5)- Go Texans!
Right now, the Ravens are the biggest threat to AFC East teams for the wildcard ticket. A Texans win gives the Jets some breathing room as the Ravens still have potential losses ahead against the Giants, Eagles, Redskins, Cowboys and Steelers
Indianapolis (4-4) vs Pittsburgh (6-2)- Go Steelers!
The Colts are not the team they once were and, behind an 8-0 Titans, are fighting for the wildcard instead of the AFC South right now. A Steelers win, for now, doesn’t effect the Jets’ chances for the playoffs as much but only bolsters the hold on the AFC North
Kansas City (1-7) vs San Diego (3-5)- Go Chiefs!
It’s okay to root for Herm this week. If the Chargers fall to Kansas City, just like Denver did earlier in the season, it sets them several games behind our record for insurance.
Jacksonville (3-5) vs Detroit (0-8)- Go Lions!
Right now the Jaguars are a minimal threat, but any NFC victory over an AFC team is good.
Carolina (6-2) vs Oakland (2-6)- Go Panthers!
See Jacksonville vs Detroit
Seattle (2-6) vs Miami (4-4)- Go Seahawks!
For division and wildcard reasons (in addition to rivalry and hatred), the Seahawks must win this game.
Buffalo (5-3) vs New England (5-3)- Go multiple injuries!
If the Jets beat the Rams, then they will be generally tied for first in the AFC East with the winner of this game of the bad versus the ugly. What Jets fans should most hope for is a smash-mouth game that burns, scars and injures the crap out of both teams, especially the Patriots before their short week leading up to the Thursday, November 13 matchup versus our Jets. However, if we must break down the math, a Bills victory sets their division record at 1-2 and conference record at 3-3 and would make the Pats 1-2 in the division and 3-4 in the conference. Compared to the Jets division record of 2-1 and conference record of 4-3, its a smidgen of breathing room should the numbers require crunching at the end of the season
7 Responses to Wildcard/Division Title Watch: Week 10
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nyckage says:
it dont matter who wins but i perfer NE so dta way if we win we can play for the number 1 spot
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jay86 says:
The jets def need a win against St louis. They should be 6-2 right now. The bulk of teams is about to come with the pats next thursday followed by Tennesee and Denver. Denvers record may not show it, however they are still a good team. So this weekend is a must win.
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spent says:
Hey! No cheering for injuries!
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steve says:
we should DEFINITELY root for BUFF….if we LOSE to NE but beat BUFF and Miami later at home, we will WIN all TIEBREAKERS except against NE…therefore, it is in JETS’ best interest to have NE lose and hope we can finish either 10-6 or 11-5…we will be FAVORED in all 6 games except at NE and TENN…if we lose those 2, we can win division IF we win ALL the games we’re supposed to…and NE finishes 10-6 as we will be 11-5…but no breathing room as I expect NE to finish 10-6…IF, IF, IF we win at NE, opens up the whole season for us…GO JETS, JETS, JETS !!!
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Joe B. says:
For the last time, it does matter who wins the Bills/Patriots game. We should root for the Bills. We’re more likely to have a tiebreaker with them than with the Patriots, a Bills win would drop the Patriots to 1-2 in the division with trips to Buffalo and Miami forthcoming.
Most importantly, if the Bills win, it gives us an opportunity to effectively end the Patriots’ season (and perhaps their dynasty) next Thursday. How could a Jet fan not want that opportunity?
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subwayfare says:
I’m with you on that one, Joe B. Some have made the argument that if the Pats lose we’ll have them at their most desperate and it will be a tougher win. But if you can’t win under those circumstances what’s the point of going to the playoffs anyway?
How bout a NE and Fuffalo tie?…