Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) | Monday, Dec. 15 at 8:15 p.m.
Who to root for: Root for the Dolphins
Why: This is projecting ahead a bit, but Week 18 could have big implications for the AFC East with the Bills-Jets and Dolphins-Patriots matchups. Assuming the Patriots haven’t clinched the AFC East by then, they would need to beat Miami in order to do so.
A Miami win against the Steelers in Week 15 keeps the Dolphins in the playoff hunt, at least temporarily. Keeping Miami’s hopes alive for a playoff spot could be enough incentive for a competitive Week 18 battle in Foxborough.
Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-9) | Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Root for the Bengals
Why: At the No. 9 seed and second place in their division, the Ravens have a 27% chance at making the playoffs. A loss drops those odds to 13%.
Should Pittsburgh maintain its lead in the AFC North, the Ravens could still have a slim shot at making the Wild Card if one of the three current teams stumble. A Ravens loss to Cincy ensures the Bills will finish the regular season ahead of Baltimore in record and head-to-head tie-breaker.
