Where Titans stand in AFC South and playoff picture going into Week 17

The Tennessee Titans might have lost to the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, but the good news is head coach Mike Vrabel’s squad still controls its own destiny ahead of Week 17.

That’s because the Indianapolis Colts, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-7 in the third quarter, collapsed and blew their lead in the second half en route to a loss that now looms extremely large.

Tennessee keeps its spot atop the division and will secure its first AFC South crown with just a victory over the Houston Texans in Week 17 and regardless of what the Colts do against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

AFC South standings

Tennessee Titans (10-5)
Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
Houston Texans (4-11)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14)

Of course, a loss for the Titans would open the door for Indy to win the division and will leave Tennessee needing help to make the playoffs.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

As far as the AFC playoff picture is concerned, the Titans do have one avenue to improve their playoff positioning, but that involves the Buffalo Bills losing out, combined with a Week 17 win by Tennessee.

Here’s a look at the current AFC playoff picture that features eight teams left standing, and with one game left to be played on Monday night (Bills vs. Patriots).

Note: tiebreaker scenarios are courtesy of ESPN.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1): Clinched division and No. 1 seed

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3): Clinched division (will fall to No. 3 if Bills win on MNF)

3. Buffalo Bills (11-3): Clinched division (will move to No. 2 with win on MNF)

4. Tennessee Titans (10-5): Wins tie break over Indianapolis based on best win percentage in division games.

5. Miami Dolphins (10-5): Wins tie break over Indianapolis and Baltimore based on best win percentage in conference games. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Cleveland (Baltimore wins tie break over Cleveland based on head-to-head win percentage).

6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5): Wins tie break over Indianapolis based on head-to-head win percentage. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Cleveland (Baltimore wins tie break over Cleveland based on head-to-head win percentage).