NFL Playoff Picture: 4 Teams with Secure Grips on Postseason Invites

As the NFL playoff picture becomes more clear each week, you get the feeling that even though some teams haven't clinched a spot yet, they will soon do so because it's just inevitable.

Right now the Packers and 49ers have clinched their divisions, so we at least know that much.

However, with only four spots left in the NFC and all six open in the AFC, what could come of this chaos that somewhat feels like college football parity down to the wire?

Well, here are four teams that may not have technically clinched a spot yet, but have a secure lock heading into Week 14.

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

Despite losing to the Ravens twice, Pittsburgh's only other loss is to the 9-3 Houston Texans. They defeated the Patriots at home and have other solid wins over Tennessee and the sweep of Cincinnati.

And being that Pittsburgh has kept pace with the Ravens otherwise (both 9-3), the Steelers could also steal the division if Baltimore slips up, as they've been known to do so against inferior teams this season.

Either way, however, expect Pittsburgh to earn the AFC's No. 5 seed as the worst-case scenario. Sitting at 9-3 with two games left against Cleveland and one against St. Louis, they will go no worse than 12-4 (at San Fran will be tough).

That record itself is legit enough to get a top seed in the AFC, however, with Baltimore owning the tiebreaker, the Steelers will easily get the first wild-card spot in winning three-fourths of their games.

New Orleans Saints (9-3)

The Saints sit at 9-3 and two games ahead of Atlanta in the NFC South. Having already defeated the Falcons in the Georgia Dome, we have to expect New Orleans will beat the Dirty Bird in Louisiana.

That being said, New Orleans does have a tough road game this week in Tennessee, at Minnesota, then home vs. the Falcons and Panthers.

Two of those games (Vikings, Panthers) are likely the easier wins. However, Minnesota does play a lot better at home and the Saints are just at best average on the road.

So, being that the Big Easy has a rough time winning away from home, don't be surprised if the Saints head into Week 16 at 9-5. Thing is, they're almost the exact opposite when playing at home—unbeatable.

Solid teams like the Texans (even when they were healthy), the Lions and Bears (even when healthy) couldn't oust the Saints in New Orleans. Hence, even if they drop the ball the next two weeks, anticipate Drew Brees and Company finishing out with two straight wins to go 11-5.

Also, since the Vikings are banged up, that may be a road win. Therefore, we're looking at a 12-4 Saints team who's slated to be the NFC's No. 3 seed.

New England Patriots (9-3)

We know this much about the Patriots: They swept the Jets, lead the AFC East by two games and have a weak remaining schedule.

To that end, it's not a matter of will New England win the AFC East, but when?

Their next two games are on the road in Washington and Denver; then they close out the year at home versus Miami and Buffalo. All four are winnable games, especially the last two because the Redskins and Broncos do play well at home.

Not to mention Denver has given Tom Brady more trouble than anyone else throughout his career, and Washington does have a respectable pass defense. But, even if the Pats slip the next two weeks, sweeping the Jets keeps their division lead.

And although the Dolphins have been rolling, they won't be able to match Tom Brady while the Bills simply have been on a nosedive. New England will win at least three of their remaining games and finish 12-4.

So, they'll most likely earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Houston Texans (9-3)

Behind the golden right arm of T.J. Yates the Houston Texans won 17-10 over Atlanta in Week 13. Okay, so Yates doesn't have a golden arm, but with 12-of-25 for 188 yards, one TD and zero INT, his performance surely gives the Texans that much more confidence.

For one, there's no reason to change what they've been doing all season. Even before and during Andre Johnson's injury, the main game plan was to run the ball and play sound defense.

They just had the option to throw the ball more when the injuries weren't pestering them. As for now though, Houston still ranks No. 3 in rush offense, No. 3 in pass defense and No. 4 in rush defense.

And regardless of what any cynics believe, this formula can work: Run the ball, play defense and pass the ball sparingly. In the playoffs, establishing a solid ground game is needed anyway, and you can bet on Houston being there.

They currently have a two-game lead atop the AFC South on 7-5 Tennessee, but will be no worse than 11-4 heading into their Week 17 matchup with the Titans. Worst-case scenario, Houston ends up with the No. 3 seed, but earning the No. 2 seed is still quite possible.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27