NFL Weekly: AFC Playoff Predictions

Quick rundown of each division in the AFC right now:

AFC East: The Jets looked to be in control of the division and could have pulled ahead of the Patriots and Dolphins by 2 games, but stumbled against the Broncos at home. That loss means that the AFC East is still up for grabs and Buffalo will have a huge say in who wins the division because they play all three of the other divisional opponents, plus another game against Denver. The Jets still have games remaining at San Francisco, Buffalo, at Seattle, and Miami. The Patriots finish up at Seattle, at Oakland, Arizona, and at Buffalo. Miami finishes at Buffalo, San Francisco, at Kansas City, and at the Jets. It looks like the Patriots, Jets, and Dolphins should each be able to go 2-2 at worst, but it's possible that any one of them could also go 4-0, so this division is still very much in play. The Pats probably have the toughest schedule with 3 of their last 4 on the road and a tough home game against Arizona. Miami also finishes up with 3 of their last 4 on the road, while the Jets have two easier road opponents and the Buffalo and Miami at home. I think I'll give the edge to the Jets for the division because they have a 1 game lead and probably the easiest schedule of the three teams.

AFC South: The Titans are going to win this division going away, but they will still play a big part in the playoff race down the stretch. Finishing with games at Houston, Pittsburgh, and at Indy, the Titans could affect the seedings and playoff chances of all three teams. I think Indy will get in the playoffs as a wild card even if they lose that final game to Tennessee. With games against Cincinnati, Detroit, at Jacksonville, and Tennessee giving them 3 more home games and most likely 2 more easy victories, I see the Colts going 10-6 at worst and most likely 11-5. Depending on if the Titans rest their guys in Week 17, the Colts could be looking at 12-4 and 9 straight victories. My guess is that Jacksonville or Tennessee will knock them off though. Houston at 5-7 still has an outside shot at a wild card, but would need help from Baltimore, New England, and Miami, so it's unlikely they can sneak into the playoffs. Their schedule finishes up at Green Bay, Tennessee, at Oakland, and Chicago, so it's unlikely they would win out, but they certainly are capable. Jacksonville is toast at a disappointing 4-8. Also, Indy is almost definitely making the second round of the playoffs, because they most likely will draw Denver in the first round who I think they will beat.

AFC North: Going into Week 14, the Steelers still have not been able to pull away from the Ravens and it looks like this is going to be a tough fight for the division down the stretch. Both teams have bruttle schedules with the Steelers playing Dallas, at Baltimore, at Tennessee, and then home against Cleveland. Baltimore finishes against Washington, Pittsburgh, at Dallas, and than at home against Jacksonville. The Week 15 matchup between the two teams is an absolute must win for the Ravens since they already dropped the first game to the Steelers. Believe it or not, it's possible that one of these teams will not make the playoffs if they finish with only 10 wins. This week's games are absolutely critical for both teams as they face off against two NFC teams that are also battling for playoff position. If both teams lose this week to Dallas and Washington, then the loser of their Week 15 matchup might be on the outside looking in come playoff time. I think Pittsburgh would be pretty safe if they can win one more game and 2 more wins would get them in for sure. The question mark is Baltimore, who could potentially finish up the season at 1-3 or 2-2, which would probably leave them tied or behind either New England or Miami. Cleveland and Cincinnati are non-factors at this point in the season.

AFC West: Despite the inconsistency and awful defense of the Denver Broncos, they are pretty much a lock to win the AFC West with the Chargers continuing to falter. Denver plays Kansas City, at Carolina, Buffalo, at San Diego to finish the season and needs to win just two of those games to clinch the division. This week's game against Kansas City is an absolute must win, because it is the easiest game left on their schedule. The Chargers only hope is that the Broncos lose at least 3 games and they win out against Oakland, at Kansas City, at Tampa Bay, and then at home against Denver. That would leave them at 8-8, which is possible, but still might not be enough to catch the Broncos at this point.

Predictions:

AFC East: New York Jets
AFC South: Tennessee Titans
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West: Denver Broncos
Wild Cards: Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens (get in on tie breaker over New England)

Other NFL News:

- Pittsburgh's defense is giving up only 238 yards per game, which is fewer yards than any other defense since the 2000 Tennessee Titans defense that also gave up just 238 yards per game. The last team to give up less than 238 yards per game was the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles, who gave up just 221 yards a game. Those Eagles were led by Reggie White, Clyde Simmons, Jerome Brown, Seth Joyner, Andre Waters, Eric Allen, Byron Evans, Mike Pitts, and even current ESPN host Mike Golic. Definitely an impressive group on D.

- Maybe Plaxico Burress had a good reason for carrying a gun the other night, now that his teammate Steve Smith was robbed at gun point just outside his house. Of course that still doesn't explain how Plax managed to be boneheaded enough to shoot himself in the thigh.

- Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his knee. Ken Dorsey will start for the Browns who have also lost Brady Quinn for the season. The real news here though is that the backup QB will be kick returner and former college QB Joshua Cribbs, unless the Browns bring in another veteran QB during the week. So, I'm hoping that Dorsey gets hurt during the Titans game this week and the Browns have to use Cribbs in a wild cat like offense for the whole game. It would probably be the most entertaining thing the Browns do all the season, so even if Dorsey doesn't get hurt then I think the Browns should still run some plays with Cribbs behind center.

Fantasy Stars of the Week:

DeAngelo Williams: 72 yards rushing, 4 TDs

Donovan McNabb: 260 yards passing, 4 TDs

Chris Johnson: 125 yards rushing, 2 TDs

Steve Slaton: 130 yards rushing, 52 yards receiving, 2 TDs

Aaron Rodgers: 298 yards passing, 3 TDs

Brian Westbrook: 110 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, 4 TDs

Thomas Jones: 138 yards rushing, 2 TDs

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