NFL Playoff Scenarios: Which AFC Bubble Teams Will Get In?

In the race for the postseason, four of the AFC's six playoff spots have already been clinched by New England, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Houston.

Currently, the Denver Broncos control their own destiny atop the AFC West and the New York Jets control their destiny as the second wild-card slot.

With four teams on the fringe right behind the Broncos and Jets, can anyone catch them?

San Diego Chargers (7-7)

San Diego began the year 4-1 but then proceeded to lose six straight games. Sitting at 4-7 before Week 13 kicked off, all hope appeared lost.

Well, being that there was literally nothing to lose and everything to gain for the Chargers, they ran off three straight wins, got some help and are now in the race for the playoffs.

They can still win the division, which is their only legit shot at the playoffs since the Jets have the head-to-head tiebreaker. Getting the second wild-card spot is quite a long shot to say the least.

In Week 16 San Diego plays at Detroit and then again on the road at Oakland in Week 17. Right now, they're 2-4 on the road and still have trouble stopping the run.

There's a good chance they upset the Lions as Detroit's weakness is in the trenches, so the Bolts matchup well. Oakland, however, ran all over them earlier this season and you can expect the same in round two.

Chargers finish 8-8 and miss the playoffs.

Oakland Raiders (7-7)

Although the Raiders sit at 7-7 much like San Diego, Oakland is positioned much better.

For one, they already beat the Chargers on the road and still get them at home in Week 17. They also have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Jets. Oakland's Week 16 matchup at Kansas City is the game they must worry about.

Not only did the Chiefs defeat the Packers, but they did so by pounding the rock and controlling the game tempo with QB Kyle Orton. Plus, it also helped that sack-master Tamba Hali (easily one of the greatest names ever) was in Aaron Rodgers' face all day.

Against Oakland, Hali will create pressure, and their pass defense will keep the Raiders grounded. There, Kansas City slows down RB Michael Bush as they stack the box, vehemently. Oakland has struggled in stopping good running teams all season, and Jackie Battle slams them between the tackles all day.

The Raiders fall to K.C. this week but overcome the Chargers in Week 17 since San Diego still lacks in the trenches, as well as in protecting QB Philip Rivers. If there's anything Oakland's defense does good, it's getting a pass rush.

The Silver and Black finish out at 8-8, miss the playoffs and their future QB remains in question.

Tennessee Titans (7-7)

If you want to see a rollercoaster team, it's the 2011 Tennessee Titans.

They began 0-1 after a road loss to Jacksonville, upset the Ravens in Week 2 and then proceeded to a 3-1 record after one month.

They then traded wins and losses until late November and appeared to be making strides. There, RB Chris Johnson hit a solid stretch and Tennessee was 7-5 heading into Week 14.

A tough home loss to the New Orleans Saints, however, doomed their confidence and cost them in Week 15 against then-winless Indianapolis. Now, sitting at 7-7 the Titans face a scrappy Jaguars team at home and then a road game against Houston in Week 17.

Needless to say, based on their inconsistency the Titans will be fortunate to finish 8-8. Johnson never really got going and neither did the rest of the offense. Maurice Jones-Drew rolls them like he did in Week 1, which may not be enough for the win, but batters the Titans front seven enough to make life easier on Houston's Arian Foster.

They're 4-6 in the last 10 games, rank No. 31 in rushing offense and No. 23 in rushing defense. It's been an oddly disappointing year for The Music City and it ends as such with a .500 record.

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

Alas, we come to the young and prosperous Cincinnati Bengals who have hung on all season.

Starting a rookie QB in Andy Dalton and rookie WR in A.J. Green, the connection has been special all year and has been a menace to opposing defenses.

While the offense may be methodical from an all-encompassed perspective, the defense has been consistently stout through 14 games. Tied with the Jets at 8-6, the Bengals have Arizona at home this week and Baltimore the following week.

Unfortunately, even if they win out it's not guaranteed they'll get in as the Jets have a better record based on common games played. Since both didn't play each other and could end up with the same AFC record, that is the next tie-breaker.

As for their games, they're capable of winning and losing both. Arizona has been surging but hasn't really played anyone other than San Francisco. That said, we know how flaky Baltimore can play on the road (3-4 with losses to Jacksonville, Seattle, Tennessee and San Diego).

The Cardinals have the better offense, special teams and, as of recent, have been just as good defensively. The Ravens are still fighting for the AFC North title and they've stepped up in big games despite their vulnerability (namely Pittsburgh twice, Houston and San Francisco).

Cincinnati beats Arizona, falls to the Ravens and barely misses the playoffs at 9-7.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27