Author's note: This story has been updated to reflect the Bills clinching a playoff spot after the Jaguars loss.
It's the final installment of 'Who to root for' for this season and we have a clear vision of what needs to happen in Week 18.
After the Jaguars lost to the Titans, the Bills are officially IN the playoffs.
A win over the Dolphins on Sunday Night Football means an AFC East championship and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. A loss to Miami means Buffalo makes the playoffs still as a Wild Card team and would be a No. 7 seed.
Here's who Bills fans should root for and a look at the different playoff scenarios.
What happens if the Bills beat the Dolphins?
If Buffalo beats Miami, the Bills will clinch a playoff spot and the AFC East division. They'll be the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and host the No. 7 seed Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round.
A Dolphins loss would mean Miami is the No. 6 seed in the AFC and would play at the No. 3 seed Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card round.
This scenario would mean the Bills and Dolphins would not play each other in the Wild Card round. Any playoff game involving the Bills and Dolphins would take place at Highmark Stadium.
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (5-11) | Sunday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Root for the Titans
Why: A Jaguars loss means the Bills are in the playoffs no matter what.
Update 1/7/24: The Jaguars lost 28-20. The Bills CLINCHED a playoff spot.
What happens if the Bills lose to the Dolphins but still make the playoffs?
A Bills loss + a Jaguars loss will mean the Bills are the No. 7 seed and go right back to Miami for the Wild Card round.
The Bills can only be the No. 7 seed if they are a Wild Card team, unless BUF-MIA ends in a tie.
What happens if Bills-Dolphins ends in a tie?
The Bills still clinch a playoff spot in this scenario. Miami, at 11-5-1, would win the division and the Bills, at 10-6-1, would be a Wild Card team and the No. 6 seed.
Best Case Scenario
A Bills win earns them the No. 2 seed and a fourth consecutive AFC East title. They'd host the No. 7 seed (PIT) in the Wild Card round.
