It is Week 16 in the NFL and while the AFC playoff picture isn't fully set, but it's falling into place.
Baltimore will in all likelihood be the No. 1 seed, but after that really anything can happen when it comes to seeding.
The Ravens, Patriots, Chiefs, and Bills have all clinched playoff berths and Texans have all but officially clinched, while the Steelers and Titans are battling for the final spot (although Oakland and Cleveland haven't been mathematically eliminated).
Here's how the playoff picture looks as of now.
1. Ravens (12-2)
Remaining schedule: at Browns, vs. Steelers
As long as the Ravens win one of their final two games, they will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC and have the road to the Super Bowl go through Baltimore. This seems very likely to happen given the way they are playing of late — 10 straight wins. If they were to win this week, do not be surprised to see them rest Lamar Jackson and Co. in Week 17 against Pittsburgh.
2. Patriots (11-3)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, vs. Dolphins
It is pretty simple for the Patriots: take care of business the final two games and they will be the No. 2 seed and clinch a first-round bye. Given their injuries to key players, this is imperative and it also gives them another week to figure things out offensively. If they were to drop one of the final two games, then they would be battling with Kansas City for the bye. If they lose both, then they are looking at potentially losing the division and being the No. 5 seed.
3. Chiefs (10-4)
Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Chargers
Kansas City is getting hot at the right time — four straight wins — and with a slip-up by the Patriots could find themselves earning a first-round bye. It is pretty much locked into the No. 2 or 3 seed at this point and pose a major threat to any team in the AFC, as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and the defense is better than it was a year ago.
4. Texans (9-5)
Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, vs. Titans
It's pretty simple for Houston like other teams, take care of business and likely be the No. 4 seed and get a home game on wild card weekend. But, if they lose this weekend in Tampa, then Week 17 against the Titans has the potential be for the division (depending on their result this week). Houston has been very inconsistent with some good wins, but also some bad losses.
5. Bills (10-4)
Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Jets
Sean McDermott has done a tremendous job changing the culture and the Bills are back in the playoffs for the second time in 20 years. It likely will be the No. 5 seed, unless they beat New England in Week 16 and then it goes on and loses to the Dolphins in Week 17. Buffalo will be a tough out for whoever it has to play.
6. Steelers (8-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Ravens
Pittsburgh may get lucky facing Baltimore and it resting its starters the final week of the year. If it wins its final two games, it will hang on and get the final wild card spot. If not, it leaves the door open for Tennessee to sneak in.
In the hunt: Titans (8-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Texans
Tennessee is barely hanging on to life. It needs to win two tough games to close the year and then also hope Pittsburgh drops one along the way. Looking back, its poor play within the division (2-3) might be the difference maker.
