NFL Playoff Picture Pretty Darn Clear

So as I sit here typing this post, I'm watching Sunday Night Football on a Tuesday night. The blizzard in Philly moved the game to tonight as most of you already knew.

So here's a chance to see what's happening in both conferences.

AFC:

In: New England (clinched AFC East and home field), Kansas City (clinched AFC West), New York Jets (wild card), Pittsburgh (clinched playoff spot), Baltimore (clinched playoff spot).

The winner of the AFC Central will be determined by the games this upcoming weekend. The Steelers play the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland. The last time Pittsburgh visited Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Browns were rude hosts knocking off their rival 13-6. If the Steelers beat the Browns, they win the division and Baltimore will be the other AFC wild card team. Even if the Steelers lose, they will still win the division if the Ravens lose.

The Ravens will play host to the Cincinnati Bengals. In the second week of the season, the Bengals beat the Ravens 15-10 on the strength of five Mike Nugent field goals. Nugent won't be in uniform this time. The Ravens must win and have the Steelers lose in order to win the division.

Win and in for Manning.

Up in the air: The AFC South. It's simple though. If Indianapolis beats Tennessee at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts claim the AFC South and advance to the playoffs. If the Colts lose, they can still win the division if Jacksonville loses.

The Jaguars will travel to Reliant Stadium to take on the disappointing Houston Texans. If the Jags win and the Colts lose, Jacksonville will be the AFC South champs.

New England is #1. The #2 seed is up for grabs with Pittsburgh having the inside track. The #3 and #4 seed will be determined by the Kansas City Chiefs and their game at home against rival Oakland. A Chiefs win and they would be no less than the #3 seed and the AFC South champ would be #4. The only stipulation is if the Jaguars win the AFC South. If the Jags manage that, the Chiefs would automatically be no lower than #3.

NFC:


In: Philadelphia (NFC East champs), Chicago (NFC North champs), Atlanta (clinched playoff spot), New Orleans (clinched playoff spot)

The NFC picture is a little less clearer than in the AFC. Seeding, the NFC West champs, the NFC South champs and the final wild card spot are all up for grabs this weekend.

First, the NFC South could be determined in one game: Carolina at Atlanta. If the Falcons win they win the division...and the NFC's top seed. If the Panthers pull off the upset, the Saints can claim the NFC South title if they beat Tampa Bay at the Superdome.

Next, the NFC West. Yes, the "lowly" NFC West. The St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks will square off to determine the division title. Winner takes all and the #4 seed.

Almost in: The Green Bay Packers control their own destiny. If they win at home against the Chicago Bears, they are the NFC's second wild card team.

Consider Morris for Coach of the Year.

Need help: New York Giants and Tampa Bay. The Giants have the easiest route. If the Packers lose, the Giants claim the other wild card if they defeat Washington at FedEx Field. The Bucs face a stiffer test. First, they must beat New Orleans...in New Orleans AND both the Packers AND Giants must lose.

No matter the outcome, no one expected the Bucs to even be close to a contending team in 2010.

For seeding, if the Falcons win, they're #1 in the NFC. The #2 seed will be between the Eagles and the Bears. As I stated, either St. Louis or Seattle will be #4. Hard to believe the defending Super Bowl champs could be the fifth seed. Green Bay, New York or Tampa Bay would be the #6 seed.

A couple of nuances to this week's games. All games are divisional affairs. Second, they are played at the same time just like the final games of pool play for the World Cup. That should make for some exciting games.