AFC Playoff Picture After Week 14 & Scenarios

Week 14 is now complete for the AFC and we can take quick look at the current standings and the playoff scenarios going forward.

Houston Texans – (10-3) – The Texans clinched the AFC South on Sunday with their win over the Bengals combined with the Titans loss to the Saints. They will finish no worse than the 4th seed now in the AFC. They close out the season with games against the Panthers, Colts and Titans.

Baltimore Ravens – (10-3) – The Ravens control their own destiny still in the AFC North as well as the 1st seed in the AFC should they win out. They have yet to lock up a playoff spot headed into week 15 and their remaining games are against the Chargers, Browns and Bengals. It would take a near miracle for the not to make the playoffs.

New England Patriots – (10-3) – Like the Ravens, the Patriots have yet to clinch a playoff spot or the division. The remaining games for the Patriots are against the Broncos, Dolphins and the Bills. The game next week against the Broncos could be a key one for them. One more win or a loss by the Jets and they win the AFC East.

Denver Broncos – (8-5) – The Broncos currently lead the AFC West by a game over the Raiders after their win today combined with the loss by the Raiders. They host the Patriots next week and then have games remaining against the Bills and the Chiefs after that.

Pittsburgh Steelers – (10-3) – The Steelers can clinch playoff spot next week with a win against the 49ers or a loss by either the Jets or the Broncos. They close the season with the Rams and the Browns after the 49ers game. The number 1 seed is still within their reach should the Texans and Ravens both loss once and they run the table. They must finish with a better record than the Ravens to win the AFC North. They also would own tie breakers over the Patriots should both win their division.

New York Jets – (8-5) – The Jets currently own the 6th and final AFC spot after the action on Sunday. Their is a tiny chance they can still win the AFC East but they would have to win out and the Patriots would have to lose out. The Jets close out the season with games against the Eagles, Giants and the Dolphins.

Still Alive – The Tennessee Titans (7-6), Cincinnati Bengals (7-6), Oakland Raiders (7-6), San Diego Chargers (6-7) and Kansas City Chiefs (5-8) are all still alive, but the Chargers and Chiefs are on life support. The Bengals can\’t win the AFC North at this point and can only earn a wild card birth. The Raiders can still win the AFC West as can the Chargers.

Remaining Schedules