AFC Playoff Picture

Earning a spot in the NFL playoffs is no easy feat. With only a 16 game season to prove yourself worthy and many teams only a fluke injury away from having their entire season derailed, it is easy to see why earning one of six playoff spots each conference hands out is so coveted. As the NFL enters the critical part of the season, a handful of teams have started to distance themselves while it appears the race for the remaining spots will come down to the wire.

AFC East

In the AFC East, the New England Patriots  battled through the first half of the season while dealing with injuries to Rob Gronkowski and off season acquisition Danny Amendola.  Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson were serviceable replacements, but judging by their recent 55 point explosion against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom Brady is glad to have his full complement of offensive weapons available to him.  They come out of the bye week with a two game cushion over the New York Jets.  It will be interesting to see if the injuries on the defensive side of the ball to Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Tommy Kelly begin to take there toll. 

The Patriots will be challenged coming out of the bye week with games at the red hot Carolina Panthers and at home to the Denver Broncos in a possible AFC playoff preview.  The schedule gets friendlier after that two game stretch as they finish out with the Texans, Browns, Dolphins, Ravens and Bills, all of whom are teams that have had their share of issues this season.  With no team rising to challenge the Patriots in a year where they have been far from their best, it is a safe bet that they will claim their 9th division title in the last 10 years.

AFC North

In the AFC North the picture has become cloudier over the past few weeks.  The Cincinnati Bengals could have put the division on ice, but with back to back losses to the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens they have brought everyone back into the race.  The Bengals still control their own destiny, but are starting to show the inconsistent play particularly at the quarterback position with Andy Dalton that has earned them a first round exit from the playoffs each of the past two years. 

The Cleveland Browns were a feel good story for a few weeks following the trade of Trent Richardson as they rallied to win two straight. They have now lost three of  their last four and have a must win game at Cincinnati next week to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive. 

The Ravens had their biggest win of the season this past weekend against the Bengals.  They nearly blew it after giving up a Hail Mary on the last play of regulation.  A Justin Tucker field goal in overtime saved them for the time being.  A team like the Ravens will be happy just to get into the playoffs where Joe Flacco has proven he can go on the road and win.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still alive believe it or not after an 0-4 start.  With their pedigree it would be foolish to dismiss them and with four division games remaining including two against the Browns they are by no means out of the picture.  I would not be shocked to see entering Week 17 the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers vying for the division title and one of the Wild Card spots in the AFC.

AFC South

Just when it seemed like the Indianapolis Colts were hitting their stride, they got flattened by the Rams on Sunday.  So is the NFL.  The Colts are still in the drivers seat to win one of the weaker divisions in the NFL and after beating the Broncos they were labeled as Super Bowl contenders.  In order for that to come to fruition, they are going to need to get something out of Trent Richardson and the rest of their running game.

The Tennessee Titans looked early on to at least be in contention for a Wild Card berth.  After a hot start, an injury to quarterback Jake Locker who appeared poised for a breakout season really derailed their changes.  Locker is now out for the year and a loss to the previously winless Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday seems to be final nail in the coffin.  Even with the Raiders, Jaguars and Texans on the schedule it would be tough to see the Titans playing consistent enough with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center to make a run. 

AFC West

When it comes to the AFC West, one thing is guaranteed as the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos will both be playing postseason football.  What is left to decide is which team will be resting at home and which will be playing on Wild Card Weekend.

The teams will decide it on the field as they meet twice in the next three weeks.  Whether or not the Chiefs have the firepower to keep up with Broncos is the  key to this matchup.  Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense have put up 30+ points in four straight games.  While Alex Smith has shown he can manage a game without turning the ball over and Jamaal Charles has proven he can finish out a game on the ground, I am not sure that will be enough to match Manning and all of his weapons. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Chiefs have been shutting down teams all year.  They have also made the most of some good fortune.  They have won games this year against Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, Jason Campbell and Jeff Tuel and while the 8-0 record is impressive, I expect them to come down to earth against the Broncos. 

While there is a lot to be decided, I expect the Patriots, Bengals, Colts and Broncos to be your division winners.  The Chiefs are virtually a shoe in for one of the Wild Card spots and I believe the Ravens edge out the Jets and Steelers for final spot in the AFC playoffs

Later in the week I will give you my take on the NFC playoff picture as we enter Week 11.