Updated: January 14, 2025
- With just two weeks remaining in the NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens hold the sixth seed in the AFC
- Despite that, the Tennessee Titans have slightly better odds to make the playoffs
- Who is the best bet to take the last playoff spot in the AFC?
Week 15 sorted a lot of things out in the NFL.
While the AFC West still has yet to be solved, the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth. Even though they haven’t officially made it, the Pittsburgh Steelers win over the New England Patriots nearly solidified their spot.
Despite the loss, the Pats inched closer to another division crown with the Miami Dolphins' loss in Minnesota.
Keeping up?
But that sixth seed? It’s still up for grabs. And it could come down to two teams.
Odds to Make NFL Playoffs in the AFC
| Team | 2018 Record | 2018 Playoff Percentage (FiveThirtyEight) | Odds to make the Playoffs at Bovada | Odds to miss the Playoffs at Bovada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 8-5-1 | 75% | -380 | +240 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8-6 | 41% | +155 | -220 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 8-6 | 34% | +150 | -200 |
| Tennessee Titans | 8-6 | 46% | +110 | -150 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7-7 | 5% | +1000 | -5000 |
*Odds taken 12/19
As it stands right now, there are three 8-6 teams in play for that final Wild Card spot: the Titans, Ravens, and Colts.
While all three have had their time to shine over the last three games, each has had a head-scratching moment or two.
Last three games provide answers…and questions
| Team | Record over last three games | Points For | Points Against | Point Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 2-1 | 70 | 63 | +7 |
| Tennessee Titans | 3-0 | 73 | 31 | +42 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 2-1 | 47 | 27 | +20 |
At first glance, those numbers seem to favor the Titans. They’re tops in record, points scored, and point differential.
But those three wins have come against the Jets, a Jaguars team that’s inept offensively, and a Giants team that was without Odell Beckham Jr.
I'll sum up the Ravens' playoff picture for you in three words.
Beat. The. Chargers.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 17, 2018
So what about the Ravens? Their lone loss came to the Chiefs, but it was a case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. The win over the Falcons showed what their defense can do, but they relived heavily on Justin Tucker.
Last week they actually trailed the Buccaneers twice.
Upcoming schedule for AFC Wild Card contenders
| Team | Week 16 opponent | Week 17 opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | @ Los Angeles Chargers (11-3) | vs Cleveland Browns (6-7-1) |
| Tennessee Titans | vs Washington Redskins (7-7) | vs Indianapolis Colts (8-6) |
| Indianapolis Colts | vs New York Giants (5-9) | @ Tennessee Titans (8-6) |
This is where things start to separate. And where the Colts start to enter the conversation.
The Ravens have, by far, the most difficult remaining schedule. Tennessee has two home games remaining, one against the Josh Johnson-led Redskins. Indy meanwhile, has the Giants coming to them in Week 16. Both are winnable.
Nice wins for Titans and Colts. High probability the AFC’s final playoff spot will be decided when 9-6 Colts play 9-6 Titans in Nashville. Will be a default playoff game.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 16, 2018
Then they go head-to-head with one another in Week 17.
Baltimore gets the unenviable task of playing the Chargers in LA. And while Philip Rivers’ offense may not be fully healthy, they’ll be motivated for this game. With the Chiefs in Seattle, it’s their chance to take the lead in the AFC West.
After that it’s back across the coast to take on division rival Cleveland in Week 17.
Who’s the best bet for the final playoff spot in the AFC?
Last week we said it was the Ravens, but that was assuming the Steelers lost.
They didn’t. So that changes things considerably.
Ravens conceivably could be eliminated from playoff contention next weekend, too. If Ravens lose to Chargers Saturday and Steelers beat Saints, Titans beat Redskins and Colts beat Giants, I don't see a way into playoff for Ravens. That's because Colts-Titans play in Wk 17.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 17, 2018
Indy beating Dallas was a surprise too.
At this point, the Colts and Titans are in the driver’s seat for that last spot.
And when in doubt, take the home team.
Our Take: Titans MAKE the playoffs (+110), Ravens (-220) and Colts (-200) MISS
The post Titans Now Favored To Get Final AFC Wild Card Spot Entering Week 16 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/titans-favored-final-wild-card-week-16/