
AFC North Week 17 Playoff Scenarios: Best and Worst Cases for Each Team
The AFC North playoff picture remains tight heading into Week 17, with each team facing critical scenarios. Here's what each team needs:
Cincinnati Bengals (9-6, 3rd in AFC)
- Can clinch division with win vs Chiefs + Week 18 win vs Browns
- Currently hold 3rd seed in AFC playoffs
- Odds to win division: -250
- Worst case: Ravens win + Browns win, setting up must-win Week 18
Baltimore Ravens (8-7, 10th in AFC)
- Need to win out + Bengals lose out to win division
- Face tough matchup vs Rams (11-4)
- Odds to win division: +550
- Worst case: Loss eliminates them with Bengals/Steelers wins
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1, 11th in AFC)
- Must win out and have Bengals lose remaining games
- Host Browns in potential Ben Roethlisberger home finale
- Odds to win division: +1200
- Worst case: Loss to Browns ends playoff hopes
Cleveland Browns (7-8, 12th in AFC)
- Need to win out vs Steelers and Bengals
- Even 2-0 finish only gives 44% playoff odds
- Odds to win division: +550
- Best case: Win + Ravens/Bengals losses sets up Week 18 showdown
- Worst case: Bengals win or Browns loss ends playoff hopes
The division will likely come down to Week 18, with three remaining divisional matchups set to determine the final standings.
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