Getty Images
The Chiefs, Bills and Steelers have already secured a spot in the AFC playoffs. The other playoff spots will go to four of the five teams: The Titans, Colts, Browns, Ravens and Dolphins. And Dolphins are the team most likely to be left out.
Based on Sunday’s Vegas lines, Dolphins would be the team that would be left out if all the favorite teams win. Here are the points differences for the games that are relevant to the AFC playoff image:
Bills are a 2-point favorite against Dolphins.
The Ravens are 11.5 favorite points against the Bengals.
The Browns are favorites of 9.5 points against the Steelers.
The Colts are 14-point favorites against the Jaguars.
The Titans are favorites of 7.5 points against the Texans.
Bills coach Sean McDermott declined to reveal whether he is playing with his starters on Sunday. If Bills play to win, Dolphins will have to make a big game to beat Bills, which would guarantee a playoff spot. If the Bills rested Josh Allen and other important players, that would be a big favor for the Dolphins – and a blow for the Colts and Titans, who would see their narrow playoff paths.
The good news for the Dolphins is that they control their own path to the playoffs. The bad news is that Dolphins are losing smart money.