AFC Playoff Picture: Steelers, Patriots in command of postseason destiny

The Steelers and Patriots inched closer to their big December showdown, while the Jags continued climbing the ladder and the Ravens nosed their way into the postseason picture. Here’s how things shake out in the race for the AFC playoffs after Week 11:


1. Steelers (8-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Packers (5-5), at Bengals (4-6), vs. Ravens (5-5), vs. Patriots (8-2), at Texans (4-6), vs. Browns (0-10)
Opponents record: 26-34 (.433)
The skinny: Everything continues to set up nicely for that Dec. 17 game against New England at Heinz Field.

2. Patriots (8-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins (4-6), at Bills (5-5), at Dolphins (4-6), at Steelers (8-2), vs. Bills (5-5), vs. Jets (4-6).
Opponents record: 30-30 (.500)
The skinny: Three more road wins and the Patriots can boast of back-to-back regular seasons without a loss away from home.

3. Jaguars (7-3)
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals (4-6), vs. Colts (3-7), vs. Seahawks (6-3), vs. Texans (4-6), at Niners (1-9), at Titans (6-4).
Opponents record: 24-35 (.407)
The skinny: The Jags appear to be well on their way to their first season of double-digit regular-season wins since 2007.

4. Chiefs (6-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bills (5-5), at Jets (4-6), vs. Raiders (4-6), vs. Chargers (4-6), vs. Dolphins (4-6), at Broncos (3-7).
Opponents record: 24-36 (.400)
The skinny: After a 5-0 start where they looked like the best team in football, the Chiefs have really hit the skids. While that final stretch of games should allow for a partial bounce back, the fact that Jacksonville is a game up and has an equally cushy schedule means they could be ticketed for fourth.

5. Titans (6-4)
Remaining schedule: at Colts (3-7), vs. Texans (4-6), at Cardinals (4-6), at Niners (1-10), vs. Rams (7-3), vs. Jaguars (7-3).
Opponents record: 26-35 (.426)
The skinny: Irrationally excited for that regular-season finale, which could have a sizable impact on the AFC playoff picture.

6. Ravens (5-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Texans (4-6), vs. Lions (6-4), at Steelers (8-2), at Browns (0-10), vs. Colts (3-7), vs. Bengals (4-6)
Opponents record: 25-37 (.403)
The skinny: How did we get here? If Baltimore can win one of its next three, they have a shot at nine wins, which would presumably lock up that sixth seed. Crazy.

In the hunt
7. Bills (5-5)
Remaining schedule: at Chiefs (6-4), vs. Patriots (8-2), vs. Colts (3-7), vs. Dolphins (4-6), at Patriots (8-2), at Dolphins (4-6).
Opponents record: 33-28
The skinny: Given how they responded to the switch at quarterback on Sunday, would it surprise you if the Bills finished under .500?

8. Dolphins (4-6)
Remaining schedule: at Patriots (8-2), vs. Broncos (3-7), vs. Patriots (8-2), at Bills (5-5), at Chiefs (6-4), vs. Bills (5-5)
Opponents record: 35-25
The skinny: Normally, I’d say that Miami has no shot at reach that No. 6 seed. But this is a different sort of year.

Rest of the field: 9. Jets (4-6), 10. Bengals (4-6), 11. Texans (4-6), 12. Chargers (4-6), 13. Raiders (3-6), 14. Colts (3-7), 15. Broncos (3-7), 16. Browns (0-9).