AFC Playoff Picture: Patriots, Steelers stay on collision course

The top two teams in the AFC continue to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the conference in the playoff chase, as the Steelers and Patriots both won at home. Meanwhile, the Titans and Ravens are making some noise, and the Chiefs ... well, we're not quite sure what to make of them anymore. Check out where the complete of the AFC field stands, and who has the toughest road to the postseason.



1. Steelers (9-2)
Remaining schedule: at Bengals (5-6), vs. Ravens (6-5), vs. Patriots (9-2), at Texans (4-7), vs. Browns (0-11).
Opponents record: 24-31 (.436)
The skinny: New England and Pittsburgh remain on parallel tracks, heading toward that Dec. 17 showdown.

2. Patriots (9-2)
Remaining schedule: at Bills (6-5), at Dolphins (4-7), at Steelers (9-2), vs. Bills (6-5), vs. Jets (4-7).
Opponents record: 29-26 (.527)
The skinny: Patriots can clinch the division title in the next two weeks.

3. Titans (7-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Texans (4-7), at Cardinals (5-6), at Niners (1-10), vs. Rams (8-3), vs. Jaguars (7-4).
Opponents record: 25-30 (.455)
The skinny: Considering where they are right now and the quality of their opponents down the stretch, Tennessee appears to be a lock to win at least 10 games.

4. Chiefs (6-5)
Remaining schedule: at Jets (4-7), vs. Raiders (5-6), vs. Chargers (5-6), vs. Dolphins (4-7), at Broncos (3-8).
Opponents record: 21-34 (.381)
The skinny: Even with a pillowy-soft slate the rest of the way (when compared to other playoff contenders), given the way they’re playing, the very real possibility now exists that Kansas City could still miss the postseason.

5. Jaguars (7-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts (3-8), vs. Seahawks (7-4), vs. Texans (4-7), at Niners (1-10), at Titans (7-4).
Opponents record: 22-33 (.400)
The skinny: That loss to the Cardinals shows maybe the Jags aren’t quite ready for prime time.

6. Ravens (6-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Lions (6-5), at Steelers (9-2), at Browns (0-11), vs. Colts (3-8), vs. Bengals (5-6)
Opponents record: 23-32 (.418)
The skinny: Not sure anyone has had a crazier arc to their season than Baltimore, a team that could now conceivably win 10 games.

In the hunt

7. Bills (6-5)

Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots (9-2), vs. Colts (3-8), vs. Dolphins (4-7), at Patriots (9-2), at Dolphins (4-7).
Opponents record: 29-26 (.527)
The skinny: With last week’s win over the Chiefs, the Bills have shown they have what it takes to make it interesting the rest of the way.

8. Bengals (5-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers (9-2), vs. Bears (3-8), at Vikings (9-2), vs. Lions (6-5), at Ravens (6-5).
Opponents record: 33-23 (.589)
The skinny: With that schedule the rest of the way, it’d be a miracle if Cincy makes the postseason.

Rest of the field: 9. Chargers (5-6), 10. Raiders (5-6), 11. Jets (4-7), 12. Dolphins (4-7), 13. Texans (4-7), 14. Broncos (3-8), 15. Colts (3-8).