AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders
1. Pittsburgh -- Steelers will be #1 or #2 seed. They have a much tougher schedule than the Pats, but this team has what it takes to finish strong.
2. New England -- The Patriots have an easy schedule down the stretch and will be #1 or #2 seed. Home field could mean back-to-back Super Bowls.
3. San Diego -- Should win division.
4. Indianapolis -- Tough schedule down the stretch will probably leave them in the #4 spot.

Wildcards
5. NY Jets -- Playoffs are almost a sure thing. This could be the team to pull off an upset in the first round.

6. Baltimore -- Next 2 games are at Indy and Pittsburgh, then home against a tough Miami defense. If they qualify for the playoffs with this schedule, they will have EARNED it!

Outside Looking In
7. Denver -- That Champ Bailey Monday night meltdown in the snow has really cost this team. They must also hit the road for their next 2 at KC and Tennessee, then home against a very tough Colts team. Schedule advantage is slightly in Denver's favor, but they will have to play very good football to pass the Ravens. Again, if they do make the playoffs, they will have EARNED it!

8. Jacksonville -- The Jags have a more favorable schedule than the Ravens and Broncos, so they could move up if one of them stumbles. Unfortunately for them, they need both teams to fade. Jacksonville also is tied with the hard-charging Bills. They need too many things to go their way the next 3 weeks.

9. Buffalo -- With Pittsburgh looming in the final week, the Bills must win at Cincy and San Francisco to have any realistic chance at the playoffs. They probably started their playoff run one week too late.

10. Cincinnati -- This is a definite long-shot, but if they continue to play well offensively and eliminate the costly mistakes, they could win out and make some noise for a playoff spot. They have their next 2 at home, then travel to Philadelphia to play a team taking it easy after clinching everything. With the tough schedules of Denver and Baltimore, they are not completely out of it. But it would take a miracle.

Realistically, the AFC comes down to Denver and Baltimore. One of these teams will be in the playoffs and the other will be watching some pathetic 8-8 NFC team on TV. If Denver can steal a win at KC, it could really put the pressure on the Ravens.