AFC Playoff Picture: Ranking the Top Wild-Card Contenders

Four teams have already clinched spots in the AFC playoff picture, as the New England Patriots and Houston Texans have won their divisions, while the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are locked into the postseason.

The Denver Broncos lead the AFC West with an 8-6 record, while the 8-6 New York Jets are hanging on to the final wild-card spot. 

Here is a look at the three teams in the AFC who are on the outside of the playoffs but have the best chance to get there.

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

At 8-6 the Cincinnati Bengals and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton are just outside the playoffs right now. Though they have lost four of their last six games, the Bengals still have a solid chance to reach the postseason.

The Bengals have two home games left, on Saturday against the 7-7 Arizona Cardinals and on New Year's Day against the 10-4 Baltimore Ravens. While neither game is a sure thing, if the Bengals win out, it's hard to see them not making the playoffs. 

It won't be easy to sneak in but Cincinnati has the best chance of any of the remaining teams to get in.

Tennessee Titans (7-7)

Even after an embarrassing 27-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 the Tennessee Titans still have a shot at the playoffs. The Titans face the 4-10 Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday before traveling to Houston to take on the 10-4 Texans to finish the season. 

Tennessee should handle the Jaguars easily this weekend, then the Titans need to play an extremely good game to get past the Texans and get some help. It's definitely not an easy road and is far from a sure thing. 

If the Titans manage to finish 9-7 and get a little luck they can still reach the postseason. 

San Diego Chargers (7-7)

Just a few weeks ago the Chargers didn't look like they'd be anywhere near this list. But while other teams have stumbled, San Diego has won three straight games following their six-game losing streak. Now at 7-7 the Chargers actually have a chance to reach the postseason.

San Diego travels to Detroit to take on the 9-5 Lions this weekend, then in Week 17 the Bolts travel to Oakland to take on the rival Raiders who are 7-7. 

The Chargers need to win both of those games and have the Jets lose their final two to earn a wild-card berth. To win the AFC West San Diego needs to win its final two games while Denver loses both of its remaining contests. 

The Bolts have almost no hope of reaching the postseason. There is such a slim chance that they make the playoffs but they are still technically alive.