AFC PLAYOFF RACE DOWN TO THE WIRE

As the NFL enters Week 15, 12 teams are still alive for a playoff berth in the AFC as the push to Super Bowl XLV in North Texas continues.

New England has clinched a playoff berth, but the other five AFC postseason spots are still to be determined.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - Clinched Playoff Spot

New England clinches AFC East division and a first-round bye with:

1) NE win + NYJ loss or tie OR

2) NE tie + NYJ loss

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh clinches AFC North division with:

1) PIT win + BAL loss + PIT clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over BAL

Pittsburgh clinches a first-round bye with:

1) PIT win + BAL loss + PIT clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over BAL and JAX OR

2) PIT win + BAL loss + JAX loss or tie + PIT clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over BAL

Pittsburgh clinches a playoff spot with:

1) PIT win or tie OR

2) IND loss or tie + SD loss or tie OR

3) IND loss or tie + KC loss

There are other scenarios in which the Steelers may clinch a playoff spot if they clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker over certain teams this weekend.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville clinches AFC South division with:

1) JAX win

NEW YORK JETS

New York Jets clinch a playoff spot with:

1) NYJ win + MIA loss or tie + IND loss or tie + KC loss OR

2) NYJ win + MIA loss or tie + IND loss or tie + SD loss or tie OR

3) NYJ tie + MIA loss + IND loss or tie + SD loss

There are other scenarios in which the Jets may clinch a playoff spot if they clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker over certain teams this weekend.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore clinches a playoff spot with:

1) BAL win + IND loss or tie + SD loss or tie OR

2) BAL win + IND loss or tie + MIA loss or tie + KC loss OR

3) BAL tie + MIA loss or tie + SD loss + IND loss

There are other scenarios in which the Ravens may clinch a playoff spot if they clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker over certain teams this weekend.

NFL 2010 Week 13 Preview: AFC Playoff Race Down to the Wire