Here's a good explanation - Who's in and whose out -
AFC
1. Denver Broncos (11-3). The Broncos had to grin and bear their surprise home loss to San Diego on Thursday, until New England and Cincinnati did them favors by falling on Sunday. Now they go on the road against two bad teams to ensure they stay in Denver for the AFC playoffs. What’s left: at HOU, at OAK
2. New England Patriots (10-4). The Patriots’ penchant for struggling defensively and making Tom Brady and their offense come through late caught up to them again in Miami. Forget trying to catch Denver; they just need to get right to take care of the AFC East and be more than a one and done playoff team. What’s left: at BAL, vs. BUF
3. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5). The Bengals didn’t inspire in a listless loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday night, but the good news is, their last two are at home, where they are 6-0. They should still get in, but a much better ticket is at least having one more home game as North champions. What’s left: vs. MIN, vs. BAL
4. Indianapolis Colts (9-5). They were the only AFC division leaders who won on Sunday, and go figure, beating the AFC’s worst team didn’t allow them to gain any ground. No matter what happens next, the South champions are set to play host in the wild-card round. What’s left: at KC, vs. JAX
5. Kansas City Chiefs (11-3). They’re keeping the pressure on Denver to keep winning to risk following from No. 1 to No. 5, the very leap they’re trying to make. Their remaining schedule, however, is much more formidable. What’s left: vs. IND, at SD MORE: Jamaal Charles scores franchise-record five touchdowns
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-6). The Ravens rode the booming leg of kicker Justin Tucker to outlast host Detroit 18-16 on Monday night to jump back ahead of victorious Miami for the second wild-card position. Although they have their hands full with New England on a short week, they would win the AFC North if they win out. What’s left: vs. NE, at CIN
Who’s right behind: Miami Dolphins (8-6), San Diego Chargers (7-7), Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8). The Ravens are the only team that holds the wild-card tiebreaker over Miami; the Dolphins have beaten the other two teams head-to-head.
Who's out: New York Jets (6-8), Tennessee Titans (5-9), Buffalo Bills (5-9), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10), Oakland Raiders (4-10), Cleveland Browns (4-10), Houston Texans (2-12). The Texans got plenty of company in this department. It’s hard to see them, however, crawling out of the conference basement, given they’ve already been swept by Jacksonville and also fell to Oakland at home.
