There are six AFC playoff spots, one of which will be claimed by the AFC West champion — leaving five between the other three divisions. Unfortunately, the other three divisions each feature two likely playoff contenders — and a few extras too.
Tennessee and Indianapolis look strong in the South, and Houston may also have the talent to threaten for a playoff berth. In the North, Baltimore and Pittsburgh both look like members of the NFL's elite, and New England and New York are likely in that group as well. Miami also may be able to sneak into the postseason.
If New England is to make the playoffs, they'll have to beat many of those teams down the stretch, but the road will look just as imposing if they do get there. Each possible playoff opponent, however, is just as flawed as the Patriots.
Baltimore has a young quarterback and a defense that has not been as dominant as in years past. Indianapolis has more injuries than ever, and Tennessee just doesn't seem as talented as the other elite AFC teams — Chris Johnson and Randy Moss aside. Pittsburgh hasn't taken a leap forward since Ben Roethlisberger returned and the Jets are imminently capable of imploding.
Which AFC team is the biggest threat to the Patriots this season?online survey
