NFL Predictions 2011: 6 AFC Teams That Will Make the Playoffs

Some things stay the same, but the NFL is a rapidly changing environment.

Four teams that made the playoffs in 2009 reclaimed a playoff spot in 2010. With injuries spread throughout the AFC and the upgrades made throughout the offseason, there will surely be more teams vying for a playoff spot. 

Ahead are the six teams that will make the NFL playoffs out of the AFC.

AFC East: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots will return all of their key players from their 2010 campaign, while also having the No. 15 easiest schedule according to ESPN.com.

They also have a guy named Tom Brady.

Arguably the best quarterback in the league, Brady threw to just about everyone on his team last year on his way to a unanimous MVP season.

Brady threw for 36 touchdowns, the second most of his twelve-year career, and now adds perennial Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco to his receiving corps.

Albert Haynesworth will add size to the Patriots defensive line and a mediocre schedule should allow New England to maintain their throne as kings of the AFC East for the third straight season.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens finished tied for first in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, but the Steelers took the division title.

This year Baltimore's upgrades on offense and ease of schedule will allow them to take over the No. 1 spot in their weak division.

The Ravens lost Le'Ron McClain through free agency, but added a more blocking-intelligent fullback in Vonta Leach. Ricky Williams will also add a change of pace Willis McGahee was unable to bring to the offense last year.

After cutting Derrick Mason, Baltimore proceeded to trade for a play maker at the wide receiver position in Lee Evans. Evans should add a dynamic the Ravens missed last season with two similar styles in Mason and starting receiver Anquan Boldin.

The Ravens have the No. 31 easiest schedule and should maintain their position atop the AFC.

AFC West: San Diego Chargers

San Diego got off to a rough start last year, but will reclaim their spot in the AFC West this season. 

The Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs are tied for the third most difficult schedule in the NFL next season.

The Chiefs beat out the Chargers in the AFC West last season, finishing 10-6 while the Chargers finished 9-7. Kansas City made multiple upgrades over the offseason, including signing Le'Ron McClain at fullback, but the Chargers made huge strides to improve their defense by re-signing Eric Weddle and signing Bob Sanders at the safety positions.

The Chargers also missed Vincent Jackson for the majority of the season last year, but will utilize his abilities to the fullest as Philip Rivers attempts to lead his squad back into the playoffs.

AFC South: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have been the consensus pick to take over the AFC South for two years now, but with all the developments this offseason, should finally make the jump.

Peyton Manning is out indefinitely, the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback situation is in limbo and the Tennessee Titans offense is still in question.

The Texans will bring back Matt Schaub, arguably the best receiver in the game in Andre Johnson, a healthy Owen Daniels and Arian Foster.

Houston will also move to a 3-4 defense, moving Mario Williams off the line and into the linebacking corps to help their pass defense. Johnathon Joseph and Danieal Manning should bolster the Texans secondary on their way to their first divisional title in franchise history.

Wild Card: Pittsburgh Steelers

While the Steelers won't win the division, they will be in the same spot the Ravens were in last season, as they enter the playoffs as a Wild Card.

The Steelers played in the Super Bowl last year, but will enter the season with one of the easiest schedules in the league.

Not much has changed on the offensive end as Ben Roethlisberger will continue to develop his repertoire with Mike Wallace. On the defensive end, Troy Polamalu will attempt to play through the season healthy as the leader of their blistering defense.

Wild Card: Tennessee Titans

A pick that might surprise some as much as it shocks me to pick them as the last Wild Card spot is the Tennessee Titans.

Sometimes it takes a change in the coaching staff to utilize what talent is on a team.

Mike Munchak will step in as the new head coach of the Titans after Jeff Fisher bolted from Tennessee with 16 seasons as head coach of the franchise under his belt.

Munchak will bring a fresh take to Tennessee which, with the addition of Matt Hasselbeck, should bring a golden opportunity to a team with the No. 23 easiest schedule in the NFL.

The Titans will have to take advantage of a relatively easy schedule and have Chris Johnson in top shape if they expect to sneak into the playoffs.