Quote:If the Bengals maintain control of the AFC North, the tie is irrelevant to them. Many people expect the Panthers to miss the playoffs. So I don't think it helps either team.

 

The AFC North currently is extremely close.  The Bengals are only percentage points ahead of the Ravens.  Both teams are 2 games over .500.   The Browns are only 1/2 game out of 1st place and the Steelers are only 1 game out of 1st place.

 

Even if the Bengals end up winning the AFC North by more than the difference of today's tie,   the tie could still be the difference in what seed they get in the AFC.

 

Right now,  the Panthers have a winning record and the other 3 teams in the NFC South have losing records.  It's a long season but at the very least the Panthers have as good a chance as any of the teams in the division to finish on top.    Unless something changes in a substantial manner,  the NFC South won't have a Wildcard playoff team this season.   With Mike Smith in serious danger of losing his job if the Falcons have another losing season.

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