NFL Analysis - AFC

With the 2011 NFL season now heading into the final six games of the season, let's take a look at the AFC teams with playoff possibilities as well as those who will be heading home come January 1, 2012.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots- The Patriots just keep chugging along even with a terrible defense.
 Playoffs or not? YES

New York Jets - Quarterback Mark Sanchez must improve if this team wants to make it to the post-season for the third straight year.
Playoffs or not? NO

Buffalo Bills - The wheels appear to have come off the Bills' bus... the offense and in particular QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is struggling and the defense is horrible going into the stretch run.
Playoffs or not? NO

Miami Dolphins -  The defense has improved and the offense does enough to keep them competitive, but this team is just playing out the string.

 AFC NORTH

 Baltimore Ravens - The roller coaster ride continues down the stretch, but look for the Ravens to keep going forward come January.
Playoffs or not? YES


 Pittsburgh Steelers - Big Ben & company looking forward to another playoff battle with the Ravens and Patriots.
 Playoffs or not? YES

Cincinnati Bengals - The two rookies (QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green) have been leading the way on offense and the defense is solid. They have to win a game against either Pittsburgh or Baltimore down the stretch if they are to be considered a legitimate contender. Schedule is favorable for this team down the stretch.
Playoffs or not? YES

Cleveland Browns - This team has to score more because you cannot win consistently if you do not score consistently.
Playoffs or not? NO

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans - Matt Leinart MUST step up at quarterback or else the Texans, even with their top rated defense, will be one-and-done in the playoffs.
Playoffs or not? YES


Tennessee Titans - What is with this team? One week they look awesome and then BLAH! Inconsistent teams stay home come January.
Playoffs or not? NO

Jacksonville Jaguars - Another team in Florida just playing out the string.

Indianapolis Colts - Will the Colts win a game this season?

AFC WEST
(Note- 9-7 will WIN this division)

Oakland Raiders - Carson Palmer has been shaking off the rust so far, but the schedule down the stretch is a killer for the Raiders.
Playoffs or not? NO

Denver Broncos - Ever since the team went to Tim Tebow, they have been on a mission of sorts. But time will run out for them come New Year's Day and their season will be over.
Playoffs or not? NO

San Diego Chargers - This team has shown the ability to rise up from the ashes in recent seasons. Numerous injuries have mounted on the O-line and QB Philip Rivers has struggled this year. Their schedule is favorable down the stretch and the 'Bolts are 18-2 in December over the past five seasons.
Playoffs or not? YES


Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs lost QB Matt Cassel for the season but signed Kyle Orton after the Broncos released him. They finish the season at home vs. the Raiders and at the Broncos. Look for Orton to haunt his old team and play spoiler in those final two games against their AFC West rivals.
Playoffs or not? NO