AFC Playoff Picture: Game-Changers Who Will Impact Postseason Chase

There are two playoff spots open in the AFC, and five AFC teams still in the playoff picture.

What does it all mean?

It means that Week 17 will be a fantastic, if not chaotic, end to the regular season.

I have the Denver Broncos winning the AFC West and the Oakland Raiders capturing the No. 6 seed in the AFC.

Here are three AFC players who will be difference-makers in the final week of the regular season.

3. Terrell Suggs, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Coming off his fifth career Pro Bowl selection, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs has been a force this season, recording 64 tackles, 13 sacks, six forced fumbles and two interceptions. On passing downs, he's absolutely devastating.

The Cincinnati Bengals, currently in control of the AFC's No. 6 seed, have to beat the Ravens to get into the playoffs. But Suggs will be a nightmare for rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, and the Ravens will ultimately win the game, killing the Bengals' postseason hopes and grabbing the AFC's No. 2 seed themselves.

2. Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

Ever since Tim Tebow took over for veteran Kyle Orton in Week 7, he's been the subject of controversy, drama, jokes and inspiration.

So it goes without saying that I'm going to talk about him here.

Tebow and the Broncos need just one win to capture the AFC West, and it just so happens Tebow will be going up against Orton, who has since moved onto the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Broncos have lost their last two games, but they're a better team than the Chiefs overall, and I expect Tebow to do some damage.

Most likely, he'll reserve such damage until the fourth quarter.

1. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

I put Philip Rivers here because he has the ability to change games, but you never know in what respect he will do so.

He's been wildly inconsistent this season, but he's still managed to toss for over 4,300 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning him his fourth Pro Bowl selection. Of course, he's thrown 19 interceptions along the way, including two against the Detroit Lions in the Chargers' 38-10 loss in Week 16.

Rivers should beat the Oakland Raiders, but overall I feel the Raiders are a more consistent team, and that will show in Week 17.

Rivers won't play up to his potential, especially with the Chargers having nothing to play for, and the Raiders will capture the No. 6 seed in the AFC.