Officially-Official - 2009 Denver Broncos Playoff Scenarios

by John Bena on Dec 28, 2009 9:17 AM MST in Strictly My Opinion

Here are ALL the scenarios that will get the Denver Broncos into the playoffs this season. There are a lot of them - Denver clinches a playoff spot with:

1) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR

2) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR

3) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + HOU win OR

4) DEN win + BAL loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR

5) DEN win + BAL loss or tie + HOU win OR

6) PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss OR

7) PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + NYJ loss OR

8) PIT loss + BAL loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR

9) PIT loss + HOU loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR

10) MIA loss or tie + NYJ loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss or tie

Just for kicks, you can look at the scenarios for all AFC teams after the jump -- AFC

CLINCHED: Indianapolis - AFC South and homefield advantage.

San Diego - AFC West and first-round bye.

Cincinnati - AFC North.

New England - AFC East.

ELIMINATED: Cleveland, Kansas City, Oakland, Buffalo, Tennessee.

Baltimore, New York Jets, Denver, Pittsburgh and Houston can also make the playoffs if they tie this week in combination with various other results.

Jacksonville and Miami cannot make the playoffs with a tie.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore clinches a playoff spot with:

* BAL win

NEW YORK JETS

NY Jets clinch a playoff spot with:

* NYJ win

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh clinches a playoff spot with:

1) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + NYJ loss or tie OR

2) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR

3) PIT win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tie

HOUSTON TEXANS

Houston clinches a playoff spot with:

1) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR

2) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + DEN loss or tie OR

3) HOU win + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tie

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville clinches a playoff spot with:

1) JAC win + PIT loss + BAL loss + DEN loss + HOU loss OR

2) JAC win + PIT loss + BAL loss + DEN loss + NYJ loss OR

3) JAC win + PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + NYJ loss OR

4) JAC win + PIT loss + DEN loss + HOU loss + NYJ loss OR

5) JAC win + NYJ loss + DEN loss + HOU loss + BAL loss

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Miami clinches a playoff spot with:

· MIA win + NYJ loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss or tie

Tweet Comment 53 comments | 3 recs |

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Comments

Next year, there won't be this issue

Because most 13-3 teams have first round byes! You see where I went there?!

John Clayton is the head Dean at Fail University (known as F.U. in short)

Formerly known as Calijoefornia

by Joe Medina on Dec 28, 2009 9:19 AM MST reply actions

Exactly

Its an easy scenario when you clinch the 1st seed

"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno=ROY

by stedtfeld on Dec 28, 2009 11:48 AM MST up reply actions

Early games

With Pittsburgh and Houston playing early games Denver will know if they need Baltimore and the Jets to lose or just one of them.

... if you have a belief, you will tend to find things that support it. But if you have a prejudice, you’ll move heaven and earth to maintain it. BroncoBear

by 3nS on Dec 28, 2009 9:32 AM MST reply actions

Wow... so many...

It’s gonna be hard to figure out who to root for next week!

It’s weird, I don’t quite get how Houston beating NE would help us at all…

Bottom line, it seems like our best chance of making it is if Baltimore or the Jets lose. I’m hoping for the best, but Baltimore at Oakland… hmm… I wouldn’t put money on that if I were a betting man. And NYJ hosting Cincy… hmm… Cincy might be resting their starters as I don’t think they have much to play for (#4 vs #3 seeds don’t matter much do they?)

This is a helpful link in understanding some of the madness: NFL Tiebreaking Procedures

by tunga77 on Dec 28, 2009 9:33 AM MST reply actions

In short...

The Broncos need to stay out of a situation where there is a 3-way tie with DEN/PIT/BAL. The Broncos lose those tiebreakers because of Head-to-Head losses to BAL and PIT.

Now, in the case of a 4-way tie(DEN/BAL/PIT/HOU), one of those teams becomes the #5 seed, then the other 3(DEN/PIT/HOU) all battle for one spot. When there are three teams, H2H gets thrown out unless all three teams played each other, so move on to Conference Record. That is where the Broncos have the advantage over PIT and HOU.

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

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by John Bena on Dec 28, 2009 9:47 AM MST up reply actions

You're the best, John!

Thanks for clearing it up for my feeble brain! ;)

(My e-ADD prevented me from reading down to the 3-way tie details)

by tunga77 on Dec 28, 2009 10:06 AM MST up reply actions

i think thats our best chance houston winning and NYJ losing

Mile High Salute

by TommyTSlice on Dec 28, 2009 10:20 AM MST up reply actions

thanks caldwell for benching peyton

Mile High Salute

by TommyTSlice on Dec 28, 2009 10:20 AM MST up reply actions

Simplicity.

That is a wonderful explaination, JB. My mind has been trying to figure this stuff out, and that REALLY helps an old timer like me.

Strength and honor

"It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you've got to have is faith and discipline when you're not yet a winner." -Vince lombarti

by kybroncomaniac on Dec 28, 2009 10:22 AM MST up reply actions

And a partridge in a pear tree

Don't argue with fools. It's how they reproduce.

by TheMastermind on Dec 28, 2009 9:42 AM MST via mobile reply actions

I think

I will just wait for the thread here, LOL

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Dec 28, 2009 9:46 AM MST reply actions

Nice Work John.

You’re all over this thing and have been from right after the game. I love it. Thanks for all you do here.

by ButteBronco on Dec 28, 2009 9:57 AM MST reply actions

Little known qualifier

Actually, no one may be aware (I couldn’t believe it myself!) but we can still get the #3 seed!!!

IF: The Titans Bills and Jets Win + The Colts Tie + The Steelers and Raves Lose + Matt Prater wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week + Four Raiders Go To Prison (I’d take the over) + Mark Sanchez Defeats Kobaya and Chestnut to win the 2010 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest + San Diego Gets Bipolar Meds + Shanahan is Hired to Coach Florida (Go Tuskers!) + Al Davis Sends Shanny a Bouquet Roses That are Not Black or Silver OR Dead + Jessica Simpson Really Was a Tiger Girl (somebody else will have to let me know how this one goes down) + The Avatars Lose (no spoilers, I haven’t seen it yet!!) + Matt Cassel is Suspended for a Narcotic Trafficking Violation (who knew?) + McDaniels and Cutler Make Up + KO’s Neckbeard Reaches ZZ Top Proportions.

I BELIEVE, BABY!!

"All we're trying to do is win the *********** game!" -- Josh MF McDaniels tearing into his offensive line after three false starts in the red zone. The tirade turned the tide of the game, and the Broncos dominated from that point on.

by broncosmontana on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM MST reply actions

Well played big sky bro!

by ButteBronco on Dec 28, 2009 10:17 AM MST up reply actions

Way too much coffee!

But I love an imaginative mind in a creative enviorment. Thanks for the little smile this morning, Montana.

Strength and honor

"It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you've got to have is faith and discipline when you're not yet a winner." -Vince lombarti

by kybroncomaniac on Dec 28, 2009 10:26 AM MST up reply actions

haha

Yes, four shots of caffeine is a morning requirement for all residents of Bozeman, Montana.

by broncosmontana on Dec 28, 2009 10:39 AM MST up reply actions

Okay, with the above scenarios, which one do you guys think is the best?

I vote for #2, assuming the Bengals play their starters. I think Sanchez will choke, New England is playing very tough, and Pitt is shakey. On the plus-side for all of us MT Griz fans here on MHR (I know there are a few of us here), we get a chance to cheer really hard for the former MT Grizzlies Lex Hilliard and Dan Carpenter this weekend.

The question I have, if NE beats HOU, does Cinci still have a shot at the three seed?

by ButteBronco on Dec 28, 2009 10:26 AM MST reply actions

Booyah! Go Lex!

by broncosmontana on Dec 28, 2009 10:40 AM MST up reply actions

Here's what needs to happen....GO HOU, MIA and CIN

I’ve given this enough thought to ensure I’m confused, but my best take is this. First, we need MIA to down PIT (I’m assuming a BAL win). Next, we need HOU to step up big and take care of the Pats to give CIN something to play for as per C. Trent Rosencrans of CNATI.com:

“If the Patriots defeat the Texans, New England will wrap up the third seed and the Bengals will be the fourth seed, regardless of the outcome of the game against the Jets.

If the Bengals have nothing to gain from beating the Jets — a team they could face at home in the first round of the playoffs — and choose to rest their starters."

Lastly, this is what Carson Palmer thinks of taking the game off from his post-game interview:

Q: How important is going to New York and playing the Jets next week and building on this momentum?
"It is huge. We are a team that thrives on momentum. We need to go out and shut them down and put up some points. We need that momentum and aggressiveness going into the playoffs. We need that indestructible feeling going into the postseason. They are a very good defense and run the ball very well. They have a young quarterback. It is tough to get to 7-7 with a young QB, and they have done it, so they have a good nucleus of players around him."

Let’s keep hope alive and be thankful that we have a team, despite its flaws, that continues to fight and never gives up. I’m not giving up either.

GO BRONCOS!

by rdolgoff24 on Dec 28, 2009 10:33 AM MST reply actions

The Jets Are Frauds

can someone please explain to me why the Bengals would indulge the Jets, especially when the chance exists that the teams would meet the following weekend? Marvin Lewis is too smart for that while Rex Ryan is good at talking junk and not much more. They’re so lucky that Caldwell felt the Christmas spirit.

Brad James

by the new Bradfather on Dec 28, 2009 10:51 AM MST reply actions

It really ticks me off they may get a gift into the playoffs

I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"

by dmitchell624 on Dec 28, 2009 11:22 AM MST up reply actions

Another Annoying Tidbit

By flexing the Bengals-Jets game to Sunday night, Cincinnati will know if it has anything to play for or not before kickoff. If New England wins at Houston in a game slated for 1 p.m. EST. the Patriots will clinch the number 3 seed. The Bengals-Jets game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. EST. Cincinnati would have been playing for the 3 seed had the game not been flexed as it would be playing at the same time as the New England-Houston game.

I have no idea why the NFL did not flex the Dallas-Philadelphia game. It is for the NFC East Division title. I realize the two teams already played on Sunday Night Football earlier in the season and that the Cowboys played on SNF this past Sunday, but it seems like a much more intriguing matchup. I guess I understand the whole last game at the Meadowlands as being a compelling storyline for the Jets’ game, but the Eagles at Cowboys game seems a much wiser choice.

Maybe my frustration is because It should have never come to this. I guess that is why I am so annoyed. Denver controlled its destiny entirely the whole season until Week 17. Here’s hoping for the best.

by RSH089 on Dec 28, 2009 11:47 AM MST up reply actions

Yup if they had taken care of business at home, none of this would matter.

We tore down the stadium with the best home field advantage in the NFL for this?

Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.

by MrFNSunshine on Dec 28, 2009 11:56 AM MST up reply actions

I concur

as the song Big Yellow Taxi says, “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” That’s what happened to the old Mile High Stadium. The Broncos were over a barrel though. It was a damned if you, damned if you don’t scenario. Tear down the stadium for a better structural one with club seating and more luxury boxes to increase revenue and remain competitive, but at the same time lose the stadium that made the Broncos so competitive to begin with where they were nearly impossible to beat at. That said, count me as one who definitely misses the old Mile High Stadium. I can’t believe it’s almost been a decade since the Broncos played there.

by RSH089 on Dec 28, 2009 12:29 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks John

Thanks for staying on this to make it clear.

I do not know what the future holds but I do like the fact we do not fold up and go away at the sign of adversity. That is a plus over the last few years.

I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"

by dmitchell624 on Dec 28, 2009 11:22 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

Thanks John...but

Does it really matter if the Broncos make the playoffs? I believe the Colts and Bolts are the best of the AFC and no one else matters at this point. Cincy, Pats, Jets, Pit, Ravens, even the Broncos ain’t going to beat the Colts or Bolts.

Sorry to be so negative, but making the playoffs and losing in the 1st round means nothing to me.

Talk is for Losers and Fools.

by Victim of Love on Dec 28, 2009 12:52 PM MST reply actions

There is an opportunity to get into the super bowl if they make the playoffs.

It has happened before and it isn’t impossible. Like they say, it ain’t over until it’s over.

by bfree2bronc on Dec 28, 2009 12:59 PM MST up reply actions

What opportunity?

Does anyone really believe (based upon the way they’ve played recently…going 2-7) they’re going to make a run in the playoffs…if they can get there?

Hey, I love my Broncos, but I don’t live in a fantasy world either. They’re not super bowl ready…not yet.

Talk is for Losers and Fools.

by Victim of Love on Dec 28, 2009 1:02 PM MST up reply actions

Perhaps not

But it does mean I get (at least) one more weekend of Bronco football before the long, long wait for next fall.

by Remember Keith Kartz! on Dec 28, 2009 1:08 PM MST up reply actions

Good point

I guess making the playoffs and losing is better than not making it at all…right? Is that right? Or would it be better to miss it altogether?

I don’t know. I’m not too encouraged at this point. Anyone want to take a shot at cheering me up? Anyone?

Talk is for Losers and Fools.

by Victim of Love on Dec 28, 2009 1:13 PM MST up reply actions

Oh Yeah, I got you

The first disk of the set. Peaceful easy feeling :-)

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Dec 28, 2009 1:16 PM MST up reply actions

LOL

That’s great dude. Always cheers me up.

Thanks for reminding me the worlds not caving in.

Talk is for Losers and Fools.

by Victim of Love on Dec 28, 2009 1:47 PM MST up reply actions

Perfect Sean...LOL

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Dec 28, 2009 5:55 PM MST up reply actions

The Playoffs would at least be good experience for all of the young players on the squad

Get that playoff taste in their mouth. Like a dog that gets that first taste of blood. Once they have that they won’t just be happy to make the playoffs next year. They’ll want and be in a position to make a deep run next year.

Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein

by c_style on Dec 28, 2009 2:22 PM MST up reply actions

+10000000000000

Single elimination and anything can happen!!!

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Dec 28, 2009 5:54 PM MST up reply actions

If we get in, SD is the only really scary team out there...

Everyone but SD, including the Colts, have shown real softness at some point late in the season. Phillis and Co keep rolling along and will until someone figures out how to slow down that 6ft+ trio out running patterns. Its like three Shannon Sharpe clones, but on one team.

broncorat

by broncorat on Dec 28, 2009 1:30 PM MST up reply actions

Actually...

the Bengals and Patriots do have something to play for. If both teams win against their wild card opponents, then beat each beat the #1 and #2 seed, in a head to head match up, their origional seeding would determine homefield advantage between the two in the AFC championship game.

As for the Broncos, if (I’d say when, but I don’t want to jinx it) we get into the playoffs, there are only two scenarios in which we’d play the Bengals, so most likely we’d be playing the Patriots.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by go4broncos on Dec 28, 2009 1:34 PM MST reply actions

The Broncos don't deserve to make the playoffs this year!

Look I love the broncos as much as anyone but their play of late doesn’t warrant a spot. They had their chances but couldn’t capitalize, playoff teams win the games they have too. This team should be 11-5

by Daemon on Dec 28, 2009 1:35 PM MST reply actions

Couldn't agree more

I hope Coach McDaniels learns from this…improves this team esp at OL…and gets us ready to compete for the AFC crown next year.

Talk is for Losers and Fools.

by Victim of Love on Dec 28, 2009 1:49 PM MST up reply actions

Do the Jets deserve to go more?

there is no deserve or not deserve. there is only in or not in. To paraphrase the little green dude….

Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.

"That's MR.Styg..."

by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 28, 2009 5:19 PM MST up reply actions

If the Jets win their last few games and make in it on a high note then they deserve it more than the Broncos.

by Daemon on Dec 28, 2009 5:53 PM MST up reply actions

Call me a pessimistic ahole, but

I’d rather NOT get embarrassed in the playoffs this year. We are a 2-7 football team after the BYE. We lost to the faders and Redskins along that road….

I’d like to finish 9-7, but I’d rather not make the playoffs just to get blown out by a much better team….

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

The guy formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Dec 28, 2009 2:10 PM MST reply actions

Me...

…I would rather go to the playoffs and lose that not go at all. But that’s just me. :)

There is only One Moment—this moment—the Eternal Moment of Now

by sirsam on Dec 28, 2009 2:49 PM MST up reply actions

It's not just you :)

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Girl, you don't need to be a 10, as long as you have a good smile and smell like bacon.

by Troy Hufford on Dec 28, 2009 6:05 PM MST up reply actions

Yeah, I miss the

21-3 beat down, the 41-10, the 44-7 ect ect…I love it when our mediocre teams get into the playoffs. lol

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

The guy formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Dec 28, 2009 6:31 PM MST up reply actions

of course, if we lose a close one then I won't feel so bad...

I just have nightmares of the early decade playoff teams against the Ravens and Colts……..

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

The guy formerly known as ZAPPA

by Tim Lynch on Dec 28, 2009 6:32 PM MST up reply actions

you are screwed just like the rest of us

when that playoff game comes, you’ll emotionally invest…. then when we get blown out, you’ll be in despair. The Broncos have our number.

Oh well. love em anyways…

Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.

"That's MR.Styg..."

by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 28, 2009 7:36 PM MST up reply actions

Zap...You say that now but you'll be happy as a clam IF we do get in!!!

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Dec 28, 2009 5:59 PM MST up reply actions

I would say we would play the Pats very well and have a shot at winning .

by Hoopforia on Dec 29, 2009 10:47 AM MST up reply actions

I prefer Playoffs

to no playoffs. Amen, end of discussion.

Brad James

by the new Bradfather on Dec 28, 2009 5:46 PM MST reply actions

last game

the scenarios are too mind numbing so i’m going to wait till sunday. if it happens that we get in i’d like to see all the atheists go to church that night because they just witnessed a miracle. i said the redskins/raiders losses were the knives in our backs.

by golfdoc on Dec 29, 2009 1:35 AM MST reply actions

Brady already has multiple injuries thats hes trying to recover from and they are traveling to Houston . I wouldnt be surprised if the Pats rested a bunch of guys.

If it was a home game you would play them get the crowd into it with a big lead and hope they can carry you to the end . Houston is playing to win 9 games for the first time in franchise no need for the Pats to get mixed up in all that . :)

This sets up the Bengals to play for the higher seed against the Jets .

by Hoopforia on Dec 29, 2009 10:45 AM MST reply actions

I think Houston beats the Pats, because #12 is on the field for one series or not at all. Sorry to say it, but it is great that he is battling some injuries, and great that the Dolts have locked up the 2 seed so that’s out of the picture for the pats. Once the texans win, Cincy has something to play for (even though if we take Carson at his word, they already did) and beats the Jets. Never say never with the upset-special Faders, I guess, but I’ll pin my hopes on the Jets-Bengals game. I suppose that the Dolphins might beat the Steelers as well, it just seems like they might, so it’s good to have that as a backup to the Texans. I just don’t think Brady plays much though, so the Texans, at home, should win (and can we say for sure that Belichick doesn’t secretly want to help out/even the score with McD, who he’d improve his chances of playing if he laid an egg in Houston?). Then once we’ve dispatched the Chefs, it’s a Sunday night full of rootin’ for the Bengals! I actually kind of like that they’re the late game, because if Houston wins (which we pretty much need to have happen anyway) they’ll know it and will play harder to get that 3 seed.

And if we can’t beat the Chefs at home…

I actually like our chances if we squeak in the playoffs. Single elimination, who KNOWS what can happen, and I don’t think we have any problems competing a) on the road and b) against “superior” teams. You just never know!

by MontanaBronco on Dec 29, 2009 1:36 PM MST reply actions