Jets, Ravens Control Own Destiny in the AFC Wild Card Picture

As the early hours of Sunday approached, I began to stare at the AFC wild card picture. With eight teams fighting for two spots, I sat back and did not rule anybody out of the playoffs.

With possible elimination games today, my predictions had the Ravens and Steelers having the final two seeds in the playoffs, which included losses by the Broncos, Jets, Jaguars and Dolphins.

At first, the predictions were heading in the right direction, and it seemed as if the wild card was going to become much more simple.

However, the undefeated Colts began pulling their starters in the third quarter, which helped propel the Jets to victory.

The Jets, who were looking at an unlikely chance at the playoffs, now control their own destiny to the postseason. Due to the three-way tiebreakers, the Jets are one of the teams that gets an edge over the remaining teams fighting for spots (Ravens, Texans, Broncos, Steelers).

Their remaining opponent is the Cincinnati Bengals, who clinched the AFC North yesterday. The question that begins to arise is: Will Marvin Lewis play his starters throughout the game, or will he begin pulling them after a quarter or two?

We also saw a fierce rivalry continue with the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, with playoff implications on the line. In the end, the Steelers did what they do best by finding ways to win, and keep their playoff chances alive.

The Jets' victory affects these teams greatly, especially the Steelers.

As of today, the Baltimore Ravens are on the outside looking in for the wild card, with the Jets and Broncos currently holding the spots. This is due to strength of schedule being the first tiebreaker, and not head-to-head matchups.

However, according to NFL.com, “When the Ravens face the Oakland Raiders next Sunday, the common games tie-breaker will then come into play for the Broncos, Jets and Ravens.”

Thus, if the Ravens can defeat the Oakland Raiders, they will secure either the fifth or sixth seed in the playoffs.

The three other teams—Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers—need much help.

The Broncos have the most scenarios for getting in, which include a win and a loss by either the Jets or Ravens. They can also clinch with a combination of losses by the Ravens and Steelers, along with some losses by the Texans and Jaguars as well. Out of the teams on the outside, the Broncos have the best shot of heading to the playoffs.

The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers can still enter the playoffs, however, the most likely scenario would have to be losses by either Baltimore or the New York Jets, a loss by the Houston Texans, and a win over Miami (they would hold the tiebreaker over Denver).

Finally, the Houston Texans still have a shot at the wild card, but need the most help to secure a spot. Houston has to defeat the New England Patriots, along with having two of the three following teams lose: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets.

As the final week of the season nears, the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets control their own destiny to make it to the postseason. Just a few weeks ago their chances seemed unlikely.

Yet, with the luck falling their way, and playing solid football in the final month of the season, the path to the playoffs is just a win away.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com.