The New England Patriots clinched a playoff spot on Sunday in a blowout victory over the Chicago Bears and they appear well on their way to clinching the top seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Over the last six weeks, no one has been in the same hemisphere as they not only beat good teams but obliterate them. The Patriots, barring a collapse, will be your No. 1 seed in the AFC.
AFC Playoff Picture: Patriots, Steelers Cruising; Chiefs, Chargers Battling
Meanwhile the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers are on pace to take the No. 2 seed in the AFC as they hold a one-game lead over the 8-4 Baltimore Ravens, who play the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. A Ravens loss gives the Steelers a two-game lead in the division with three left to play while a Ravens victory keeps things interesting.
The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Oakland Raiders on Sunday so they hold onto the top spot in the AFC South. It gives them a slight cushion as they head to Indy next week in a major showdown with the Colts, who trail the Jags by one game in the division. A Jacksonville victory next week nearly wraps up the division for them.
The 8-5 Chiefs and 7-6 Chargers are battling in the AFC West. The Chargers beat the Chiefs on Sunday but KC still holds a one-game lead in the division with three more to play. Only one of these two teams will make it as the wildcard is likely out of the question.
The two wildcard spots are currently being occupied by the 9-4 New York Jets and Ravens. Both teams could collapse on the way down but they have a strong hold on the wildcard right now.
So if the playoffs started today, here’s what they’d look like....
No. 1 New England Patriots (bye)
No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers (bye)
No. 6 Baltimore Ravens vs. No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs
No. 5 New York Jets vs. No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars
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