NFL slate of Saturday games could have playoff implications

The Miami Dolphins will not play on Saturday but the NFL has a couple of games that could provide some playoff intrigue.

Now that the college regular season is over the NFL is putting games on Saturday. Today’s games are not the greatest match-ups but they do have teams still trying to make the post-season. Here is a look at who is playing and how these games could affect the Miami Dolphins.

Houston Texans vs. New York Jets

The Jets have very little chance of winning this game and the Texans are trying to get back on the winning track after losing their first game in 9 weeks last weekend The Texans are two games up on the Colts in their AFC South division race. The Colts will host the Cowboys on Sunday.

A loss by the Texans could bring the Colts back into play for the division but the Texans would have to drop at least one more game. A win by the Texans however coupled with a loss by the Colts would give the division to the Texans.

This game doesn’t have too much effect on the Dolphins this weekend but should the Texans lose two more games and end in a tie with the Colts the Colts may get the division if they end the season with a better division record. Currently the two teams have split their season series and are tied with 3 wins and two losses in the division.

This would be relevant for the Dolphins as Miami would not have to worry about the head to head tie-breaker with the Colts and would end the season with a better conference record.

However, the Texans are playing the Jets and no one ever roots for the Jets.

Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos

Believe it or not the Browns are still in the playoff hunt. They need to win out and get a lot of help but the fact that we are talking about the Browns and not having already wrapped up the first pick in the draft is amazing itself.

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The Broncos however are in the thick of the chase. They are one game behind the Dolphins, Colts, Titans, and Ravens. Still hanging on a win today would only move them up a slot until the Sunday games are over.

A Broncos loss won’t hurt Miami or help Miami but it could eliminate one team that could potentially compete for the 6th spot. Of course on the other hand, another potential team that could help Miami in tie-breaker scenarios won’t hurt.

Sunday will be the bigger day for playoff implication games. Miami needs to win but will not be eliminated with a loss nor will they lose any conference ground.

The Titans will face the Giants in New York while the Colts will host the hot streak Cowboys. The Ravens get Tampa at home. It is very likely that we head into week 16 with no changes in this seasons sixth seed race.