Have we qualified for the playoffs already and no one knows it?

Fixed, based on the fact that you work the tiebreakers one slot at a time. The three-way tiebreaker rule cited in this thread only determines who gets the number 5 seed (Skins) if all three teams (WAS, DAL, CAR) end up at 10-6. Once that's determined, then you have to look at the 6th seed from square one. Make sense?

Edit: Or, more concisely, what blackcatfan posted while I was composing the above.

 

You are probably right. This stuff will make your head spin.

 

The stuff that makes my head spin is that we are in this position at all. We need to beat ATL in ATL for more reasons just to make the playoffs though, so now is as good a year to do it as any.

 

Great thread. :banginghe

 

Until ANY sports page puts a X by our name, I'm going to assume we are just reading it wrong. ESPN states it simply as:

• The Panthers can clinch the NFC South with:
1. A win and a Bucs loss or tie
2. A tie and a Bucs loss
• The Panthers can clinch a playoff spot with:
1. A win or tie
2. A Cowboys loss or tie
3. A Redskins loss or tie

The Bucs are going to win...a given. Therefore we need to win or either see the Redskins or Cowboys lose. Anything else and we are sitting at home come playoffs.

 

As given as 9/13? As cliche as it is, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.

 

I was reading it wrong. I understand it now. I was eliminating Dallas from spot 5 and 6 at the same step, which isn't in the spirit of the rule. And now the rule makes total sense. It's purpose is to keep Dallas out of the playoffs if Washington can't make it (i.e. a team that wins a tiebreaker in a division will always make the playoffs before another team in it's division which it holds the tiebreaker on).

 

I'm not sure if that's correct. I don't think a division tiebreaker holds any water for WC teams. I believe, especially with three or more tied WC teams, division means nothing. Conference means everything, and from what I understand, three tied teams don't sort out one on one, then one on another.

In other words, you don't settle a tiebreaker one way for two of three teams tied for a WC to eliminate one, then use another tiebreaker between the loser of the previous tiebreaker against the third tied team. Whether they are in the same division or not.

 

No, Coach. That has already been discussed and clarified. See the rest of the thread.

 

maybe so, but I think it's incorrect as stated in the thread. I may be wrong, and am plenty on occasion, but I think it's stated wrong as to how to apply them in WC situations, as well as seeds when there are more than two teams tied.