Bengals/Steelers Tie Break Question

[Old Blue]

Now that the Steelers have officially caught up to the Bengals in the Division, can somebody tell me what happens if they both finish 13-3? That assumes that they both lose to Indy and otherwise win out, with Cincy getting the win at Pittsburgh on the last day of the season. They would have split with each other on the road then, would have both beaten every other team in the division twice, and would have identical 13-3 records. Where does the tie break system go after that? Do you look at the opponents' records? Do you look at points scored for and against? I have no idea. So if that is the way it plays out, who wins the division and who is left praying for a wild card spot? With Jacksonville's remaining schedule, I think they are almost a lock for one of the wildcard spots, which would leave the runner-up in the Pittsburgh/Cincy division duking it out with San Diego and Kansas City for the last spot. It's sure one top heavy league when you can go 12-4 or 13-3 and still not make the playoffs. Not quite the NFC, is it.

[cumberlandredskin]

Old Blue wrote: Now that the Steelers have officially caught up to the Bengals in the Division, can somebody tell me what happens if they both finish 13-3? That assumes that they both lose to Indy and otherwise win out, with Cincy getting the win at Pittsburgh on the last day of the season. They would have split with each other on the road then, would have both beaten every other team in the division twice, and would have identical 13-3 records. Where does the tie break system go after that? Do you look at the opponents' records? Do you look at points scored for and against? I have no idea. So if that is the way it plays out, who wins the division and who is left praying for a wild card spot? With Jacksonville's remaining schedule, I think they are almost a lock for one of the wildcard spots, which would leave the runner-up in the Pittsburgh/Cincy division duking it out with San Diego and Kansas City for the last spot. It's sure one top heavy league when you can go 12-4 or 13-3 and still not make the playoffs. Not quite the NFC, is it.

I think the tie breaker goes something like this:

1. Head to Head

2. Division Record

3. Conference Record

After that I'm not sure. But I do know total points come into play pretty quick after number three.

[Doug Hardin]

http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakers

Two Clubs
1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.