AFC Playoff Picture: Which Teams Will Steal Final Pair of Undecided Spots?

While the postseason doesn’t start until after next week, the playoffs began weeks ago for many NFL teams.

In the AFC, five squads in desperation mode are fighting for two final playoff spots.  The AFC West is still up for grabs, as well as the second wild-card spot.  Here are the five teams still breathing and whether or not they’ll stay alive.

New York Jets (8-7)

Rex Ryan is more likely to win a body-building contest than the Jets are to make the postseason this year.  They must first beat the Miami Dolphins, which will be hard enough with Mark Sanchez slumping.  After that, New York needs a ton of help: the Bengals and Titans must lose, along with either the Raiders or the Broncos. 

Prediction: Win and tie-breaker elimination.

Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

The Bengals are lucky enough to control their own destiny, but lucky might not be the best word to call a matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.  Baltimore isn’t going to rest its starters either with a first-round bye on the line.  With a now 6-5 conference record, a loss would mean elimination for the Bengals.

Prediction: Loss and elimination.

Tennessee Titans (8-7)

The Indianapolis Colts’ lone win could very well be what ultimately keeps the Titans out of the playoffs.  Tennessee must beat their divisional rival in the Houston Texans before a tie-breaker can decide their fate.  They would sneak into the playoffs in a two-way tie with the Jets or a three-way with the Bengals and Raiders.

Prediction: Loss and elimination.

Denver Broncos (8-7)

Tim Tebow and the Broncos also control their own destiny, but like the Bengals, an unfortunate opponent stands in their way.  While the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t exactly a powerhouse, Kyle Orton would love nothing more than to get revenge and knock Denver out of the playoff race.  The Broncos could still make the playoffs with a loss if the Raiders also lose, but they won’t need it.

Prediction: Win and clinch AFC West.

Oakland Raiders (8-7)

Raiders fans will be forced to swallow their pride and root for the Chiefs next week.  Even if the Broncos win, though, Oakland can still take the Wild Card with a Bengals loss.  Of course, Oakland must first take care of business against the San Diego Chargers.

Prediction: Win game and wild-card tiebreaker.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer. Follow him on Twitter.