Playoff Projections (cont.)

AFC

Albert Haynesworth will miss the Titans final regular-season games with an MCL injury. Icon SMI

Tennessee Titans (12-2)

If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 1 seed
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): vs. Pittsburgh (W); at Indianapolis (L)
Final Projected Record; Playoff Seeding: 13-3; No. 1 seed
Extra Point: Sunday will be the biggest Titans-Steelers game since Joe Nedney aimed for an Oscar.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3)

If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 2 seed
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): at Tennessee (L); vs. Cleveland (W)
Final Projected Record: 12-4; No. 2 seed
Extra Point: Monster game Sunday against the Titans with the winner earning the right to host a potential rematch Jan. 18 for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

New York Jets (9-5)

If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 3 seed (win tiebreaker with New England and Miami on three-way, head-to-head)
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): at Seattle (W); vs. Miami (W)
Final Projected Record: 11-5; No. 3 seed
Extra Point: The cross-country trip this week is not a gimme, but get past it and we like the Jets' chances in a home game against the Dolphins in the final week.

Denver Broncos (8-6)

If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 4 seed
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): vs. Buffalo (W); at San Diego (L)
Final Projected Record: 9-7; No. 4 seed
Extra Point: If you enjoy the misery of others, root for the Broncos to finish just one game ahead of the Chargers after losing to them in Week 17. Ed Hochuli might never be welcome in San Diego again.

Indianapolis Colts (11-4)

If The Playoffs Started Today: No. 5 seed
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): vs. Tennessee (W)
Final Projected Record: 12-4; No. 5 seed
Extra Point: The Indy-Tennessee showdown in Week 17 should be a Sorgi-Young snoozefest.

Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

If The Playoffs Started Today: No. 6 seed
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): at Dallas (L); vs. Jacksonville (W)
Final Projected Record: 10-6; No. 6 seed (win tiebreaker with New England on conference record)
Extra Point: The Ravens will be playing against history in the Cowboys' final game at Texas Stadium, but should still be dancing provided they take care of business at home in Week 17.

New England Patriots (9-5)

If The Playoffs Started Today: Out
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): vs. Arizona (L); at Buffalo (W)
Final Projected Record: 10-6; out
Extra Point: Esteemed colleague Don Banks points out the Patriots could become just the second 11-win team to miss the playoffs since the merger. Quite the stat but we don't think their defense holds up against Kurt Warner and the Cardinals.

Miami Dolphins (9-5)

If The Playoffs Started Today: Out
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): at Kansas City (W), at NY Jets (L)
Final Projected Record: 10-6; out
Extra Point: Can't ask for much more than the chance to play your way into the playoffs against a division rival.

San Diego Chargers (6-8)

If The Playoffs Started Today: Out
Remaining Schedule (Projected Results): at Tampa Bay (L); vs. Denver (W)
Final Projected Record: 7-9; out
Extra Point: It would be a fitting nail in the coffin for the Chargers if they were to travel 3,000 miles and upset the Bucs only to have the Broncos finally clinch the West with a win against the Bills.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE Scenario No. 1 seed No. 2 seed No. 3 seed No. 4 seed No. 5 seed No. 6 seed If Playoffs Started Today Tennessee Pittsburgh NY Jets Denver Indianapolis Baltimore SI.com Projections Tennessee Pittsburgh NY Jets Denver Indianapolis Baltimore