New York Jets 2016 NFL Playoffs Scenarios Heading Into Week 17
By Abraham Gutierrez
The final game of the NFL regular season is finally here, and for the New York Jets, there are a number of 2016 NFL playoff scenarios to consider heading into Week 17. Currently the sixth seed in the American Football Conference, Gang Green has the luxury of controlling their own destiny, as a win or a tie automatically gets them into the tournament.
However, in order to do so, the Jets will have to do something they were unable to accomplish at home last month (Week 10), which is beat the Buffalo Bills. On the strength of four turnovers, two of which were a product of the Bills’ constant blitzes, Rex Ryan’s bunch came away with a 22-17 victory in front of a sell-out crowd at MetLife Stadium.
“We understand what we are going up against and we understand what happens this week, so we know that fully well,” Bowles said. “We have to continue to do the things that we have been doing. If we try to do anything else, then we won’t have a chance to win.”
In the first scenario, if the Jets are able to extend their win streak to six games – or earn a tie – they would face one of the following four teams in the Wild Card round: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, or the winner of the AFC West division, which will either be the Denver Broncos or the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s no secret that, the way this team has been playing, all those first-round opponents are very much beatable. Not only would the Jets go into the playoffs with momentum on their side, but they’ve also become one of the most balanced teams in all of football.
“It’s still a work in progress,” Bowles said downplaying the situation. “I think we’re playing better and they’re coming together themselves. As a coach, all you try to do is make them see what the vision is and then work towards getting there. A lot of that has to do with them trusting each other.
“Obviously they have to know what you’re talking about from a coaching standpoint as a player, but them trusting each other and them believing each other and getting that type of camaraderie and chemistry takes a while. I do see some of that coming together.”
The second scenario isn’t likely, but still needs to be noted. In case the Jets lose the season series to the Bills, they would still be able to punch their ticket into the postseason, but only if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns.
Confused yet?
Well, there’s one more possible scenario to go over in terms of the New York Jets clinching a playoff berth in Week 17. Even though they are currently the sixth seed, they may also secure the fifth seed – and face either the Texans or the Indianapolis Colts – in the case that they are able to finish with a better record than the Chiefs or if Gang Green can pull through and the Broncos lose at home against the visiting Chargers.
So, which way will the Jets get in? Or will Gang Green Nation suffer a major letdown after what has been nothing short of a phenomenal, overachieving season? According to their head coach, there’s only one scenario that should play in everyone’s minds.
“There is no pressure on us. We know we have to win,” Bowles added. “We’ve been having to win the past four weeks, five weeks, so it’s no different going into Sunday.”
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.
