NFL Playoff Scenarios: AFC Playoff Picture Heading Into Week 15

NFL playoff scenarios are the hot topic in today's sports world. 

With more parity in the NFL than we've seen in a while, we must analyze these scenarios carefully as the season nears its end. 

In the AFC, only the New England Patriots have locked up a playoff spot...the final five spots are still up for grabs. 

We could have most of those positions decided in Week 17.

Here's a rundown of the AFC's contending team's playoff chances, and likely playoff fate, heading into the last three games of the season.

New England Patriots

The Patriots offense is producing at a eerily similar pace to that of the historic 2007 season, and Tom Brady has thrown 19 touchdowns with no interceptions in his last eight games.

The Pats are once again a legitimate playoff contender, and with home field throughout, they could be en route to Dallas in February. Who's really going to beat Tom Brady in the snow?

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ben Roethlisberger isn't throwing for 300-plus yards a game, but the Steelers are still winning. Why?

Their ferocious and turnover-happy defense is playing its best football. Could we see a rematch with New England in the AFC championship game? It could happen. 

Baltimore Ravens

Their offense is clicking, but their once feared defense is losing steam in the fourth quarter. I still can't count out the Ray Lewis-led Ravens, but if they don't make adjustments they could have an early postseason exit. 

New York Jets

Rex Ryan needs to rally his players because they aren't guaranteed a thing heading into these last three games.

Mark Sanchez looks extremely uncomfortable in the pocketm and the run combo of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson has been nonexistent recently.

Even if they do rebound from their recent struggles, is the offense good enough to get to the Super Bowl? I'm not so sure. 

Kansas City Chiefs

With Matt Cassel out, the Chiefs were dominated against the Chargers. San Diego will be hot on their tail in the last three weeks, but they should be able to hold them off.

If and when they reach the playoffs, their running game could give many teams trouble. They definitely win their own way. 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

A team you can really root for. The Colts have dominated the AFC South for years, but if Jacksonville can beat Indianapolis this upcoming week, they'll lock up the division.

Maurice Jones-Drew is having a superb second half and David Garrard has found his groove.

A dark horse to do damage in the postseason, although they'll have a tough time with elite offenses. 

San Diego Chargers

They did what they needed to do by beating the division-leading Chiefs at home this past week.

If the Chargers can win out, they could sneak into the playoffs and will be one of the classic "teams-you-don't-want-to-play" in this year's postseason. 

Indianapolis Colts

Have the Colts dug themselves too deep of a hole? Possibly. But if they can beat the pesky Jaguars at home this week and win out, they'll keep their postseason appearance streak alive. However, I don't see them making a deep run if they get in, too many injuries. 

Miami Dolphins 

The AFC longshot to make the playoffs, the Dolphins haven't been mathematically eliminated and could face a Patriots team that will be resting their players in Week 17.

The offense is a mess, but Mike Nolan has the defense playing lights out. They'd have a tough time winning on the road in the playoffs, although they've played much worse at home this season.