Framing the NFL's 2011 AFC Playoff Picture

With four games remaining in the NFL regular season, the usual suspects have some unfamiliar foes that are looking to do battle in the playoffs this year. Teams like the Bengals, Raiders, Broncos and Titans, along with the 9-3 Texans, will make their first playoff appearances in a long time, the Texans for the first time. 

While the storylines are plentiful this year, only one thing remains...playing the game.

With four games to go...the Patriots, Steelers, Ravens and Texans should get in, leaving the AFC West champion and one more team looking for their glass slipper.

So who gets in? Here is a look at the playoff hopefuls and their remaining schedules.

Cincinnati Bengals

Coach Marvin Lewis said after the loss to the Steelers this past week, "It wasn't a good day."

Against teams that have a legitimate chance at the playoffs, the Bengals are 1-5 (won vs. the Titans). However, the Bengals are in the final spot because of their conference record (6-4). Moreover, that can easily change because the Bengals still play both the Texans and the Ravens.

Last Four Games

Houston, @ St. Louis, Arizona, Baltimore

Projections

The Bengals won't shake the 35-7 loss to Pittsburgh in time and lose a close one to the Texans. L

Easy win against a horrible Rams team. W

The Arizona game is a must-win. The Cards are playing real good football, but the Bengals hold on. W

Baltimore needs to win this game to get a first-round bye and cage the feisty Bengals. L

Final Prediction

The Bengals finish 9-7 and go 6-6 in the conference.

New York Jets

The New York Jets are currently in the final spot (ninth) of the AFC playoffs. Rex Ryan knows that their hopes of another AFC championship game are dwindling real fast. He said, "We must win out to have a shot at this thing," and he is absolutely right.

However, it seems unlikely.

Last Four Games

Kansas City, @ Philadelphia, New York, @ Miami

Projections

Kansas City pulls off the hail Mary against the Bears, but their luck runs out against the Jets. W

A tough game against the Eagles is more than the Jets can handle; LeSean McCoy runs wild. L

The Giants need this one more than Jets, ending the Jets' playoff chances. L

In a "who cares" game at this point, the Jets win. W

Final Prediction

The Jets are 5-5 in the conference. If they do pull off a victory against either the Giants or the Eagles, they finish 7-5.

Tennessee Titans

CJ2K is back! And just in time.

The Titans are 5-4 in conference play with three AFC games left. I am glad that first-year head coach Mike Munchak stuck with proven veterans Chris Johnson and Matt Hasselbeck.

Last Four Games

New Orleans, @ Indianapolis, Jacksonville, @ Houston

Projections

With Johnson running well, this one could be close. However, it's the Saints. L

The Colts don't stand a chance. W

Jacksonville gets beat big. W

The Texans may test one of the new veterans at some point in this game, but the Titans win it close. W

Final Prediction

The Titans finish 10-6 and 8-4 in the conference, earning the final spot in the playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos somehow made it this far, but will it be enough?

The defense and a strong run game have the Broncos in a great position to win the West. The Broncos are 6-3 in the conference, and their schedule may benefit.

But will it?

Last Four Games

Chicago, New England, @ Buffalo, Kansas City

Projections

The Bears are without Matt Forte and Jay Cutler, but the Bears running game and stronger D wins it close. L

Tom Brady...that's about all I have. L

The Buffalo game is interesting because it is at Buffalo, and weather may be a factor. W

Kansas City played them hard the first time and will the second time, however, KC with the upset. L

The KC game may be a difficult game for Bronco fans to handle, but there will be a lot of pressure on Tebow, maybe too much.

Final Prediction

The Broncos finish 8-8 and 7-5 in conference.

Oakland Raiders

Oakland may be the most inconsistent team with a chance, but with huge losses to key players like Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford, the Raiders are going to be battling to the end.

The Raiders are 5-5 in conference play and may be in a tough yet manageable position to win the West.

Last Four Games

@ Green Bay, Detroit, @ Kansas City, San Diego

Projections

It is always tough playing against these odds. L

Detroit is in a battle, mainly with themselves. W

Kansas got them once, not again. W

San Diego sends Norv Turner and A.J. Smith packing. W

Final Prediction

The Raiders finish 10-6 and 7-5 in the conference to win the AFC West.