NFL Playoff Scenarios: 3 Teams That Could Clinch a Spot in Week 15

Currently, there are eight total NFL playoff spots remaining, five of which are in the AFC, thanks to the Packers, Saints and 49ers all having clinched in the NFC.

With the AFC being so chaotic in 2011, it's no surprise that only one team (Houston) has clinched a spot. That being said, here are three teams that will likely clinch in Week 15, all of which are in the AFC.

New England Patriots (10-3)

The only way the Patriots won't clinch a playoff spot this week is if they get hit with a double-whammy. Meaning New England loses to Denver and the Jets beat the Eagles.

However, if both lose or both win, Tom Brady and Co. will win the AFC East (as they've already swept the Jets) once again and will vie for the AFC's top seed. As for their game, the Pats play the surging Broncos—who've always had Brady's number—in Denver.

New England's offense is quite explosive and the Broncos need to score more than 14 points if they're going to win. The thing is, New England will put up at least 24 on the improved Orange Crush defense, so don't count on the Broncos winning, as their offense will start off way too slowly to keep pace.

Baltimore Ravens (10-3)

The Ravens win and they're in, plain and simple. Even if they lose, they can still get in—if the Titans, Bengals and Raiders all lose. Needless to say, the odds are significantly in their favor.

This week, Baltimore plays at San Diego. The Chargers have won two straight but are not on the same level as the Ravens. Ed Reed and the Ravens' Top Five defense will shut down the Bolts and limit their scoring opportunities.

Offensively, RB Ray Rice will dominate on the ground against a weak San Diego rush defense and control the game tempo virtually by himself.

The only concern about this week for Baltimore is whether Pittsburgh wins. If the Steelers win, the Ravens will have to wait at least another week for that AFC North title.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

Unfortunately for Ravens fans, the Steelers will win this week on the road in San Francisco. The 49ers' one-dimensional offense will get goose-egged by the Steel Curtain and the Pittsburgh offense will slowly but surely wear down Frisco's defense.

The 49ers may have a stout run defense, but as John Skelton of Arizona proved last week, San Fran is vulnerable against the pass. No one on the Niner defense can cover Mike Wallace one-on-one and TE Heath Miller is one of the more underrated players in the game.

Pittsburgh's offense will control the clock and win with a complete team effort. As for the playoffs, the Steelers will keep pace with Baltimore.

Even if the Steel City somehow loses, they already have the tiebreakers over Cincy and Tennessee.

So in hindsight, even a tie would get the Steelers into the postseason once again.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27