NFL Roundtable: Who gets home field for the AFC Playoffs?
By Erik Lambert
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) reaches out to pressure New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps the most interesting playoff race sits out in the AFC with a number of surging wild cards, but the greater thrill is the three-monster race for the #1 seed. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals have identical records with four games left to play. That begs the question. Which team has the best chance to outdistance the others for that coveted home field advantage?
We assembled a Mocks NFL roundtable to give their thoughts.
Eric Robinson:
I want to say New England simply because of Brady but after yesterday, I realized that no Gronk and no Edelman may be too much for even the great Belichick to overcome. I’m leaning Denver because of the better defense.
Joe Wedra:
I’m going to go with Denver. They’re such a talented football team and I’m a believer that Brock Osweiler is all they need at QB to succeed and go far. I think they’re proving a whole lot as the weeks go on.
Sayre Bedinger:
The Broncos control their destiny, and already have a bit of a home field advantage with a home game on Monday night coming up soon against the Cincinnati Bengals. Denver has beaten New England head to head, so they have that tie breaker. It’s going to take a slip-up by one of these teams but I think ultimately the Broncos have the best defense in the NFL and are best equipped to make noise down the stretch here. Denver takes home field.
George Stockburger:
Two weeks ago I would have said New England, but the injury has bit them hard. At this point it’s Brock Osweiler and Denver’s to lose. The defense is going to have to carry them, but at this point their schedule is in their favor.
Erik Lambert:
The Denver Broncos hold the tiebreaker over New England but there are still four weeks to go in this season and there is one important fact that can’t be overlooked. The Cincinnati Bengals are easily the healthiest team of the three. They have two games against teams with losing records left and will play the Steelers at home, a team they’ve already beaten this year. So I’m going for the upset and saying the Bengals breakthrough to take home field for the postseason.