AFC Playoff Picture: Plenty of possibilities as last week of regular season dawns

With the last week of the regular season upon us, the AFC still has a bunch of different playoff possibilities. For a lot of teams this weekend, the formula is simple — win, and you’re in. But as we’ve seen the last few weeks, nothing is guaranteed, especially when it comes to this time of year. Check out where each team is situated, and some scenarios for them (both good and bad) the rest of the way.



1. Chiefs (11-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders (4-11)
The skinny: It’s simple: Win and the No. 1 seed belongs to the Chiefs. If Kansas City is unable to take care of business, the Chiefs could fall to as far as No. 5 if the Chargers win.

2. Patriots (10-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets (4-11)
The skinny: I wish there was a way everyone could have experienced the crazy postgame scene in the moments after New England’s win over the Bills. Hearing the reaction and seeing the celebration when the Eagles completed their comeback against the Texans — which allowed the Patriots to reclaim the No. 2 seed — was a lot of fun to witness. One of the more memorable moments of the season. Anyway, New England clinches a first-round bye with a win or a tie and a Baltimore loss. If the Patriots win, the Raiders beat the Chiefs and Broncos beat the Chargers, New England will finish with the top seed. If the Patriots are upset and Houston wins, the Patriots will be forced to play on wild-card weekend.

3. Texans (10-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Jags (5-10)
The skinny: Houston blew a big chance against Philly to really make a statement. Now, barring something crazy this weekend, the Texans appear to be locked in to the No. 3 seed. Not a bad finish for a team that went 0-3 out of the gate, but last weekend represented a sizable missed opportunity. Houston can clinch the AFC South with a win or a tie in the Indy-Tennessee game.

4. Ravens (9-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Browns (7-7-1)
The skinny: Baltimore delivered in the clutch this past weekend, on the road against the Chargers. Not sure how much I’m buying into Lamar Jackson’s overall accuracy, but that running game and that defense certainly make them a playoff-worthy team. There are a handful of possibilities here, but Baltimore wins the AFC North with a win over the Browns or a Pittsburgh loss. Ultimately, there’s still a lot of uncertainty for the Ravens, who could finish as high as No. 2 with a win and a few losses. They could also be out of the playoffs. But for them, it all starts with a win over Cleveland.

5. Chargers (11-4)
Remaining schedule: at Broncos (6-9)
The skinny: LA is in the postseason, but there’s still a lot to be decided for the Chargers. They still have a shot at the AFC West title and home-field if they can win and KC either loses or ties. Basically for them, it's either the first seed or the fifth.

6. Colts (9-6)
Remaining schedule: at Titans (9-6)
The skinny: Win and you’re in for Indy. The Colts can also take the AFC South with a victory and Houston loss.

IN THE HUNT

7. Titans (9-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts (9-6)
The skinny: There are a bunch of possibilities in play, but for Tennessee — like Indy — it’s simple. Win the regular season finale, and you get the sixth seed. Also, like the Colts, if the Titans win and Houston loses, Tennessee comes away with the division title.

8. Steelers (8-6-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals (6-9)
The skinny: Pittsburgh has played 10 games this year that have been decided by seven points or less, and the Steelers have gone 5-4-1 in those games. Ten games that have fundamentally come down to the final possession. That’s a ridiculous roller coaster of a season. Anyway, Pittsburgh needs to beat the Bengals and either have the Browns beat the Ravens or have the Indy-Tennessee game finish in a tie, a scenario that would land the Steelers the fourth seed.