AFC Playoff Picture Already Looking to Be One of the Best in Years!

The playoff race in the NFL is always exciting, but 2009 may be better than anyone had imagined only six weeks ago.

Normally, two of the four divisions are decided with three weeks left in the season, then there are normally two teams competing for the Wild Card spots. That will not be the case in 2009.

Even though teams like the Tennessee Titans were supposed to compete for the Super Bowl this year, and have faltered, there are plenty of teams that are stepping up to take their place.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals 4-1

Baltimore Ravens 3-2

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2

Cincinnati is one miracle play from being 5-0, after a week one miracle by the 5-0 Broncos. Baltimore started out on fire, pouncing on three weaker teams, only to lose back to back games against the Patriots and Bengals. The Steelers have finally won back to back games, and with the return of Troy Polamalu, look to keep improving.

AFC East

New York Jets 3-2

New England Patriots 3-2

Miami Dolphins 2-3

The Jets lead the division, but losing their last two games, people are starting to wonder if Mark Sanchez has been figured out by defensive coaches. New England is playing fantastic at home (3-0) and horrible on the road (0-2). Miami has won back to back games, to return to competing status in the division.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts 5-0

Jacksonville Jaguars 2-3

Houston Texans 2-3

Everyone is shocked that the Tennessee Titans have faltered the way they have, but the Jaguars and Texans are happy to battle for the No. 2 position in the South. Indianapolis is destroying the division, and look like they are on their way to another division title. Jacksonville and Houston are both playing better, and could push for a playoff spot.

AFC West

Denver Broncos 5-0

San Diego Chargers 2-2

Before anyone counts the Chargers out, remember last year when they were 4-4 while the Broncos were 6-2, and both teams ended up 8-8 at the end of the year. Denver is playing great on both sides of the ball, while San Diego is playing great on offense, but their defense can't stop anyone.

Right now, 11 teams are competing for six spots, and this looks like a race that could go until the end of the season.