AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders
1. Pittsburgh -- The Steelers should clinch their division soon. But home-field advantage is on the line and they have a slightly more difficult schedule than the Patriots. All 4 of their games are against teams that still have playoff hope.

2. New England -- Having lost to the Steelers, the Patriots know they probably have to win out for home field advantage. It's possible with this team, but this week's game against Cincy could be a real challenge, they ripped the Ravens' defense last week.

3. San Diego -- The Chargers really took control of the West last week by beating the Broncos. But they shouldn't get too confident. They have the Bucs at home, then outdoors in Cleveland, then at Indianapolis, and finish at home against KC. That's a pretty tough finish.

4. Indianapolis -- Can clinch their division against Houston this week. Then finish against 3 AFC playoff contenders, Baltimore, San Diego, and Denver. A win against San Diego could prove huge once the playoffs start if Pittsburgh or NE stumble.

Wildcards
5. New York Jets -- A two-game lead on Baltimore and Denver and 3 games over the other playoff wannabes almost assures the Jets of a wildcard spot. It is doubtful they could move up and take the division, but they do have a home game against the Patriots if they can surprise the Steelers this week.

6. Baltimore -- The Ravens are looking over their shoulders at the Broncos, Jags, Bengals, and Bills. They have home games against the Giants and Miami, and road games at Indy and Pittsburgh. Their defense will have to play much better down the stretch than they have in the last two games. If they stumble at home they are in big trouble.

Outside Looking In
Denver -- The loss to San Diego has placed the Broncos in a bad situation. Champ Bailey's Monday night meltdown against Oakland and their receivers tipping balls to the Chargers has cost them a division title and possibly a playoff spot. This week's game against Miami is a must-win, because the rest of the season will be tough.

Jacksonville -- They have a tough one at Green Bay in two weeks, but a very favorable schedule the rest of the way. This is a team that could move up.

Cincinnati -- The Bengals offense has been on a roll, but with games at New England and Philadelphia, it will be extremely difficult to move up. They will have to upset one of those teams and win at home to have any chance.

Buffalo -- Talk about being on a roll! Most people wrote this team off a month ago, but they have become the hottest team going. If they take care of business at home against Cleveland and steal one at Cincy the next week, they might just sneak in to the playoffs.