“What I was not intending to communicate was that Miami was in a better position than Baltimore.  Based on their schedules, one could make that argument, but they’d first have to overcome the fact that Baltimore has a better record, and wins and losses are what get you to the playoffs.”

Actually Phil Sims made just that argument on Inside The NFL this week. He thinks that either Miami or New England will get that final WC spot in the AFC, and doesn’t see Baltimore making the playoffs.

I tend to agree. I think New England will pull it out and the rip out west for two weeks in a row is against weaker teams they are staying out there and will be out of their normal routines, so that could lend a hand in maybe one of those teams upsetting them. Of course if Miami wins out, which Sims thinks they have a very good shot at doing it New England could still be on the outside looking in.

Shorty,

I said that they’re “the least likely of those three teams” to whom I’d referred to as the obstacles for Miami to make it into the playoffs.

In other words, the New York Jets, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, and Denver are the current division leaders.  That leaves New England, Indianapolis, and Baltimore in their way (along with maybe Buffalo).  Of those three teams, I believe New England and Indianapolis have the best shot at the postseason. 

Of course, you could argue that Baltimore has a better record than New England and is tied with Indianapolis, but New England and Indianapolis have momentum and softer schedules.  New England is facing Seattle, Oakland, Arizona, and Buffalo.  Indianapolis has Cincinnati, Detroit, Jacksonville, and Tennessee.  Baltimore, however, has to play Washington, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Jacksonville.

What I was not intending to communicate was that Miami was in a better position than Baltimore.  Based on their schedules, one could make that argument, but they’d first have to overcome the fact that Baltimore has a better record, and wins and losses are what get you to the playoffs.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Baltimore ended the season at 9-7.  But if they do win their final four games to go to the playoffs at 12-4, or even end up at 11-5, they will be one of the toughest teams to beat on that kind of roll and that much confidence.

I hope I made clear what I was trying to say.  I appreciate you reading the article, and let me know if you have any other questions or comments.

-Corwin Betts