Possibility No. 1

1. NE wins
2. Denver wins
3. Bal wins
4. Pitt wins

In this scenario a Cincinnati win means they play the Ravens (with the Steelers as the 6 seed), a Cincinnati L means they play the Jets (with the Ravens as the 6 seed). I think Cincy would choose the Jets and the ancillary benefits of not tipping their hand and resting some players, especially considering that they can't win the 3 seed.

Possibility No. 2:

1. NE loses (Houston wins)
2. Denver wins
3. Baltimore wins
4. Pitt wins

Now I think Cincy plays hard for the 3 seed and the right to host the Broncos. True, they lost to the Broncos and beat the Ravens twice, but the Broncos 2-7 stretch plus the additional possibility to host the AFCC is too enticing.

Possibility No. 3:

1. NE loses (Houston wins)
2. Denver loses
3. Baltimore wins
4. Pitt wins

If they beat the Jets, the Bengals would host the Texans. If they lose, they get the Jets. They might be OK with either, but the 3 seed is awfully nice when the 4 seed (NE) is such a lousy road team.

I thought the fairest thing the league has done in recent years was to move all playoff-meaningful games to 4 PM. Let 2 coronated teams, like Dallas/Philly play at 8 PM.