NFL Playoff Scenarios: Projecting the Latest Playoff Pictures

NFL playoff scenarios are getting clearer by the week.

Anyone out there think the Patriots ARE NOT the team to beat in the AFC?

Anyone out there think the Falcons aren't going to be the top seed in the NFC?

Here's a look at how things are shaking out after last Sunday:

AFC:

Playoff contenders:    New England (11-2); Pittsburgh (10-3); Kansas City (8-5); Jacksonville (8-5); New York (9-4); Baltimore (8-4).

New England (11-2): The P-men are a cinch to be the top seed in the AFC. How impressive was their victory Sunday in Chicago? Tom Brady has his bunch on a roll. Seriously, who is playing better in the NFL right now?

Pittsburgh (10-3): It's looking like the Steelers will nail down the No. 2 seed. Just another solid year for the Men of Steel. But will they be good enough to beat New England?

Kansas City (8-5): Chiefs still not a cinch to win the AFC West, but can San Diego step up?

Jacksonville (8-5): Jags still have to hold off the Colts to win the AFC South. Their offense looks prepared to bring it home behind the running of Maurice Jones Drew.

New York (9-4): After Sunday's loss to Miami, it looks like the Jets are going to stumble their way into the playoffs. Nothing good going on there right now. They will win the wild card and the fifth seed.

Baltimore (8-4): The Ravens are looking like a tough wild card. They might even take the fifth seed away from the Jets.

Matchups:

Wildcards:  Jets at Jaguars;  Wild card: Ravens at Chiefs.

Second round: Patroits host lowest seeded winner; Steelers host second lowest seeded winner.

NFC:

Playoff contenders: Atlanta (11-2); Chicago (9-4); Philadelphia (9-4); St. Louis (6-7); New Orleans (10-3); New York (8-4).

Atlanta (11-2): The Falcons are rolling their way to the top seed and home-field advantage through the playoffs. Matt Ryan rocks; the Falcons roll.

Chicago (9-4): The Bears were looking pretty impressive until they were dismantled at home in their kind of weather by Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Patriots gave the rest of the league the blueprint to taking apart the Tampa-Two defense.

Philadelphia (9-4): The Eagles will have to rely on their offense putting up numbers; the defense just isn't getting the job done.

St. Louis (6-7): Can anyone say one-and-done for any team that emerges from the NFC West?

New Orleans (10-3): Look for the Saints to do some real damage in the playoffs. They could end up playing division rival Atlanta for the NFC's Super Bowl berth.

Giants (8-4): Injuries are mounting in Tampa Bay, and Aaron Rodgers' health is a concern in Green Bay.

Matchups:

Wildcards:  No. 5 Saints at No. 4 Rams;  No. 6 Giants at No. 3 Eagles.

Second round: Atlanta hosts lowest-seeded winner; Chicago hosts second-lowest seeded winner.

That's what things might look like if it all started this week. Still three weeks to go and everything's still subject to change. But it doesn't change the fact that New England looks like the favorite to win it all.