NFL Playoff Picture: Watch out for Dark Horses in AFC Wild Card Race

The Bengals are not going to get the second wild card spot. They currently have a one-game lead for that coveted position, but that lead will not last.

The Bengals have games remaining against the Steelers, Texans and Ravens. This team could easily go 2-3 in their remaining five. That would leave them at 9-7 and out of the playoffs because one of the following teams will pass them.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are among the NFL's hottest teams. They have won four straight games, and five of the six they have played with Tim Tebow starting.

While Tebow is garnering all of the headlines, it is their defense that is paving the way to victories. They have not allowed more than 13 points in their last three games.

That defense is the reason that Tebow's style of football is working. Low-scoring games place value on the running attack and protecting the football. And while Tebow's passing has been erratic, he is avoiding turnovers. He has just one interception on the season.

That means the Broncos have an excellent shot of winning any defensive showdown they enter. Take a look at their remaining schedule and you'll see that it is chock full of potential defensive battle.

Remaining Schedule

Week 13: @ Vikings

Week 14: Bears

Week 15: Patriots

Week 16: @Bills

Week 17: Chiefs

Analysis

The Broncos are well equipped to win four of the next five. Only the Patriots have the firepower to get them out of their comfort zone of low-scoring games.

Four wins will put the Broncos at 10-6.

New York Jets

The Jets have been a team in turmoil this season. They have endured long stretches of inadequacy, and almost everyone on the roster has come under scrutiny.  

And they still have an excellent shot at making the playoffs. This team is struggling to score points. Luckily for them, they won't have to score a lot of points to win the rest of their games.

The Jets defense has improved with the season. They have allowed more than 16 points in just one of their last four games.

Take a look at their favorable schedule:

Remaining Schedule

Week 13: @Redskins

Week 14: Chiefs

Week 15: @ Eagles

Week 16: Giants

Week 17: @ Dolphins

Analysis

The Jets should face few problems winning their next two games. That will put them in a position where they have to finish 2-1 to get to that magic 10-win mark.

They'll be in good position to do that. The Giants are the only team with a winning record in that span, and their defense is falling apart by the second.

The Jets will have no one to blame but themselves if they do not get to 10 wins. Every remaining game is winnable. It is now up to them to hold it together enough to win them.