There is still plenty on the line for the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, including clinching scenarios for the AFC East. The Bills’ playoff scenarios this week could have seen them finish anywhere from the third seed through to the seventh. With the NFL playoff picture set to be finalized in Week 18, let’s examine the Bills’ playoff scenarios and how they can clinch the AFC East this week.
Buffalo Bills playoff scenarios in Week 18
In terms of Buffalo’s clinching scenarios for the AFC East, it can be as simple as the Bills winning. In that case, the division is theirs. However, if they lose, they will need to rely on the Dolphins to beat the Patriots. Essentially, the Bills just have to match New England’s result and they will be AFC East champions again.
Beyond the division, there is more at stake in terms of seeding in the AFC. While it may seem inconsequential in Week 18, those seedings could be vital further down the road. If the first or second seeds slip up, then the third seed could host a Divisional Round game, the Conference Championship, or both. Let’s examine the Bills’ playoff scenarios in Week 18.
What are the scenarios for Buffalo to finish as the No. 3 seed?
The highest the Bills can finish is the No. 3 seed. There are no scenarios where they could have taken the No. 2 seed due to the NFL playoff tiebreaker rules and procedures. Here are the scenarios for how the Bills end up as the third seed in the AFC.
- Bills win
- Bills tie and Patriots lose or tie
What are the scenarios for the Bills to finish as the No. 4 seed?
The Bills need to win to ensure they can finish no lower than the fourth seed. There is one remaining scenario that could see them end up as the AFC’s fourth seed in the playoffs.
- Bills lose and Patriots lose
What are the scenarios for Buffalo to finish as the fifth seed?
If the Bills lose or tie and the Patriots win, the Bills have a wide range of options for where they could be seeded. They will very much be relying on other results or they could slip all the way to the seventh seed.
Here is the scenario when it comes to the Bills finishing as the fifth seed.
- Bills tie and Patriots win
- Bills lose, Patriots win or tie, and Raiders tie
What are the scenarios for the Bills to finish sixth?
Which scenarios would see the Bills as the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs?
- Bills lose, Patriots win or tie, and Raiders win
- Bills lose, Patriots win or tie, and Chargers win
What are the scenarios for Buffalo to finish as the No. 7 seed?
The Colts’ loss ensured the Bills could not wind up as the seventh seed in the AFC.