AFC Playoff Picture as of Week 12

[vmax]

From SB Nation...NFL playoff picture: Updated AFC, NFC projections going into Week 12 - SBNation.com

AFC Playoff Picture

No. 1: Tennessee Titans (8-3)

Remaining opponents: Texans, Patriots, Jaguars, Steelers, 49ers, Dolphins
Projected finish: 12-5

I had a lot of faith in this team a week ago, but that look to the Texans stings. Still, this is a weak slate and I see the Titans only dropping two more down the stretch.

No. 2: Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Remaining opponents: Browns (twice), Steelers (twice), Packers, Bengals, Rams
Projected finish: 12-5

The Ravens have been inconsistent, but weirdly less inconsistent than much of the rest of the AFC. For my money they’ll lose to the Packers and Rams, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if this teams drops four games and finds themselves fighting for a wild card.

No. 3: New England Patriots (7-4)

Remaining opponents: Titans, Bills (twice), Colts, Jaguars, Dolphins
Projected finish: 12-5

Bill Belichick has this team surging right now and I think winning the AFC East feels almost destined at this point.

No. 4: Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

Remaining opponents: Broncos (twice), Raiders, Chargers, Steelers, Bengals
Projected finish: 11-

The door was left open far too long for the Chiefs. Now they’re back. Benefitting from late season collapses from much of the AFC, Kansas City now finds itself with a beneficial back-end schedule and all the chances to make a run.

No. 5: Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

Remaining opponents: Steelers, Chargers, 49ers, Broncos, Ravens, Chiefs, Browns
Projected finish: 10-7

With a slate full of remaining trap games I’m really not confident in putting the Bengals up there, but there’s a ton of talent on this young team and they’re playing well. I think they can sneak in if they can show consistency.

No. 6: L.A. Chargers (6-4)

Remaining opponents: Broncos (twice), Bengals, Giants, Chiefs, Texans, Raiders
Projected finish: 10-7

The Chargers at once point looked like favorites to dominate the AFC, but recently they’ve been faltering along with the rest of the conference. I projected a mixed bag down the stretch that narrowly gets them under the wire.

No. 7: Buffalo Bills (6-4)

Remaining opponents: Saints, Patriots (twice), Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons, Jets
Projected finish: 10-7

The Bills have become incredibly inconsistent and their plummet down the table reflects that. I can’t see the Bills beating the Patriots, or the buccaneers unless they get this back on track.

Who can make it in from the bubble?

As it stands there are five teams that have a realistic shot of making a run:

• Steelers (5-4-1)
• Colts (6-5)
• Browns (6-5)
• Broncos (5-5)
• Raiders (5-5)

All within striking distance, the team I could see pushing their way in is the Colts. They’ve been largely ignored and playing well lately. Don’t write them off yet.

[papasmurfbell]

I am just not seeing these future wins and losses.  Also they have the parts as a future opponent of the titans.  That was last week.  I think you need a new site.

[vmax]

Oh. Yea. My coffee hadn't kicked in. Anyway...I need something like this to try and see the big picture over the rest of the season. Something that will create more worry and stress in my life. 

 

[cravnravn]

Thought we were top seed...And we ain't losing to the Rams..Maybe Maybe Green Bay beats us

[papasmurfbell]

The ravens could lose to the rams.  There are weeks to reorient the offense.  The dl is good enough to pimp slap the ravens ol.

[vmax]

As of Week 14....

Updated AFC Playoff picture:

Division leaders:
1. NE (9-4)
2. TEN (9-4)
3. KC (9-4)
4. BAL (8-5)

Wild card:
5. LAC (8-5)
6. IND (7-6)
7. BUF (7-6)

In the hunt:
8. CLE (7-6)
9. CIN (7-6)
10. DEN (7-6)
11. PIT (6-6-1)
12. LV (6-7)
13. MIA (6-7)

Eliminated
14. NYJ (3-9)
15. HOU (2-11)
16. JAX (2-11)

Can the Ravens make the post season at 8-9?

 

[papasmurfbell]

I really wish they would do away with the below .500 teams in the po.  They do not deserve t9 be there.  That said I think the ravens have 1 more win in them at the min.