NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Ranking the Playoff Teams in the AFC

The AFC playoff picture is mostly set with five teams clinching a playoff berth before Week 17. The only spot remaining will go to either the Indianapolis Colts or the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Colts have the easier path to the AFC South title with a win against the Tennessee Titans this week. The Jaguars will need a little help with a Colts loss and a victory at Houston this week.

After the AFC South is decided, the AFC playoff picture will be solidified. The other teams include the New England Patriots, the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here are the NFL Power Rankings for Week 17 of the AFC playoff teams...

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars dives against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 34-24. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty I

The Jaguars will likely fall out of the playoff picture this week with a loss or an Indianapolis win. Jacksonville controlled its own destiny two weeks ago; however, two straight losses to the Colts and the Redskins have put the Jaguars on the ropes.

Offensively, the Jaguars rely entirely too much on Maurice Jones-Drew, who has broken down in recent weeks because of the 300-carry workload he has faced this season. The passing game produces less than 200 yards per game and is ranked just 26th in the NFL.

David Garrard has been much better in recent weeks, but the Jaguars, despite the mathematical possibility, do not seem like a playoff team.

Defensively, Jacksonville has truly struggled this season. The secondary has more holes than Swiss cheese, and the rushing defense also allows well over 100 yards per game.

Jacksonville could still make the playoffs, but they would most likely be the easiest one-and-done team in the postseason.

6. Indianapolis Colts

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Peyton leaves the field against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts just have not been the same team of the past few seasons. Instead of locking up a playoff spot in late November or early December, the Colts are still fighting for the right to play in January.

Offensively, the struggles can be attributed to the running game. Neither Donald Brown nor Joseph Addai has effectively run the ball this year, leading to the Colts' 30th-ranked rushing attack.

Peyton Manning has once again produced a top-ranked passing game, but his recent streak of interceptions has been costly to the team as a whole.

The Colts also have had some defensive issues, mostly in stopping the run. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis continue to put together one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, but overall the defense has struggled.

Despite a three-game winning streak, Indianapolis has allowed 26 points per game over the last three games. The previous three-game losing streak saw the Colts allowing 35 points per game.

Indianapolis just doesn't have the balanced talent to go far in the playoffs this year.

5. New York Jets

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets rolls out to look for a receiver against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

Four weeks ago, the New York Jets were locked in a tight race with the New England Patriots for the AFC East title. Four games and a couple of scandals later, the Jets find themselves in a wild card spot and a road game in Round 1 of the playoffs.

The Jets have lost three of four, and while two of those losses came against the Patriots and Bears, the Jets have not looked particularly impressive over the last four weeks.

Last week against the Bears, it was the normally stout defense that fell apart. Jay Cutler passed for three touchdowns, and Matt Forte ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown against a Jets defense that is ranked ninth and fifth against the pass and run, respectively.

Offensively, the problem lies with Mark Sanchez, who does not appear to be able to lead the Jets' passing game in big games. With a talented running game and a superb wide receiver corps, Sanchez should be able to at least post Matt Cassel-like efficient numbers. However, Sanchez has simply been unable to get the job done and lead his team to victories against tougher opponents.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by Chris Chambers #84 and fans as he jumps into the stands after making a 75 yard touchdown catch during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December

The Kansas City Chiefs have been the biggest surprise team of the AFC West, holding off a late run by the San Diego Chargers to clinch home field advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs.

The Chiefs are getting hot at the right time, winning five of their last six games, mostly by huge margins. The two-headed monster of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones leads a Kansas City rushing attack that has been the best in the NFL this season.

Moreover, Matt Cassel has established a real rapport with Dwayne Bowe this season and could be considered a Pro Bowl snub.

The Chiefs have been solid, perhaps a bit above average defensively. While their defense does not compare to elites like the Ravens, Steelers or Jets, the Chiefs have their fair share of playmakers like Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali and Eric Berry.

Kansas City could have the ability to win a home game in the playoffs this year, as they are undefeated at Arrowhead Stadium this season.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers laughs on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Steelers and Ravens are almost interchangeable at the two and three spots of the power rankings. Both teams boast terrific defenses, solid running games and excellent quarterbacks.

The Steelers, however, get dropped a spot below for their game against the struggling New York Jets.

Pittsburgh actually outplayed New York in their game two weeks ago, but the Jets managed to win on special teams and great defense. While the Steelers outgained the Jets by over 100 yards, a 97-yard return by Brad Smith to start the game doomed Pittsburgh.

Still, the Steelers have an excellent chance to make it through the AFC, especially considering the likelihood that they will have a bye in the first round and home field in the second round.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore both have the playoff experience that might be needed to upset New England in a possible AFC Championship Game matchup.

2. Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates the Ravens victory after the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo

The Ravens could not beat the Steelers a few weeks ago at home, falling by three points in a heartbreaker. Baltimore still has a shot at the division with a win and a Pittsburgh loss, but it is a long shot considering the fact that the Steelers are playing the Browns this week.

Baltimore has rolled off three straight victories since the home loss versus Pittsburgh on December 5th, including an impressive win versus the New Orleans Saints.

The Ravens still have the same fantastic defense from the past few years featuring Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed; however, a new dimension has been added in Baltimore. The offense has nicely complemented the defensive talent, especially the emergence of Joe Flacco and Ray Rice combined with the addition of Anquan Boldin.

As aforementioned, Baltimore and Pittsburgh are neck and neck for this spot, and a rematch in the playoffs would be a difficult game to predict.

1. New England Patriots

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Ima

There must be something in the water in Foxboro. Somehow Bill Belichick continues to put together incredible seasons one after another.

This season, the Patriots overcame the departure of Randy Moss and a youthful, inexperienced defense to compile a 13-2 record thus far.

Certainly, Tom Brady deserves much of the credit and will likely win the NFL MVP. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead have led a better than expected running game, and Deion Branch has become relevant again since a midseason trade to New England.

The defense, especially the passing defense, still has several question marks. The New England defense is ranked 30th this year against the pass, allowing 262 yards per game, and the rush defense has also been suspect at times this season.

Still, it is tough to bet against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. They are the clear No. 1 in the AFC and the favorites to emerge from the conference.

Certainly, it is possible that the experienced teams in Pittsburgh or Baltimore can take the Patriots down. Maybe Kansas City surprises some by winning a couple games in the playoffs. Perhaps the Jets and the Colts can revert to their earlier season forms.

One thing is certain: Anything can happen in the playoffs.