We are two thirds of the way through the season and teams are starting to show their true colors. Lets take a look at where I think everyone will end up by the end of the season.

AFC East – Dolphins
I had picked the Bill earlier in the season but they just dont seem to be able to put two wins together. They have had a hard schedule and have a few good wins but they also lost to the Jets and Patriots. Now, the Dolphins only have one win against a team with a winning record and that was the complete anialation of the then 0-2 Broncos. Which, I would argue was the turning point in Denver. Both the Bills and Dolphins have a couple of tough games remaining including a week 18 matchup that still could determine the division winner. But, the Dolphins have complete control over their destiny.

AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
I have recently said that the Ravens are probably the best team in the AFC. And I believe that. But, the Steelers have already beaten them. And after a likely week 13 win over the Cardinals, Pittsburgh will be only a game behind. After that they have the Patriots, Colts, Bengals, and Seahawks which could very easily put them at 12-4 going in to the week 18 matchup with the Ravens in Maryland.

The Ravens on the other hand have a much harder schedule. After the bye they have the newly good Rams, the Jaguars, 49ers, and Dolphins. Are any of those teams “better” than the Ravens, I dont think so. But, its the NFL and thats four tough games in a row. Including a lot of traveling. I dont know which team they lose to but odds are they dont win all four. And that puts Baltimore at 12-4 going into week 18 when the Steelers come to Maryland.

But, even if the Steelers dont win out or if the Ravens do as long as Pittsburgh is just a game behind come week 18 they just have to win. And I dont know if thats going to happen but I think the Steelers have more control over their destiny right now. So, Im sticking with them. (And yes, I know the Browns beat both of these teams, Ravens twice, but I dont think they have the staying power. Maybe a wild card?)

AFC South – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars, Texans and Colts all have similar remaining schedules but the Jags are two games ahead. I dont think theres enough time to catch them. Especially since Jacksonville is already 4-1 in the division. Itll take a complete melt down on their part to give it away at this point.

AFC West – Kansas City Chiefs
Well, the Broncos sure are looking good right now! Theres a small chance that they win out, Detroit being the hardest remaining opponent. Unfortunately, the Chiefs have an even easier schedule. In fact, they probably have the easiest remaining schedule in the AFC. I just dont see Denver catching Kansas City. But, they have a great shot at a wildcard spot. And, if they go into the playoffs having won say 10 of their last 11 games they could potentially get some revenge on the Dolphins!

Wildcard – Ravens, Broncos, Texans
If the Steelers win the North then the Ravens are a Wildcard team for sure. Both of them will make the playoffs. Based on how easy their remaining schedule is I think the Broncos finish 10-7 and somehow make the playoffs. I actually think we are going to see a 10-7 team miss the playoffs in the AFC. Not the NFC, the Panthers could still win their division and theyre 1-10. More on that tomorrow. I think the Bills, Browns, and Colts will all be right in the mix but fall just short. The Bengals are done for the season, the Jets will be too far gone by the time Aaron Roddggeerrss comes back (probably to be injured again) and the Chargers have some serious coaching concerns they need to address.

So, what do you think? Is my upset pick of the Steelers a pipe dream? Can the Bills catch the Dolphins? Do some comments and let us know what you think!