AFC Playoff Picture Week 16: Chargers vs. the AFC North

Division Leaders:

(1) Patriots (11-3)

(2) Broncos (11-3)

(3) Colts (10-4)

(4) Bengals (9-4-1)

Wild Card Leaders:

(5) Steelers (9-5)

(6) Ravens (9-5)

Contenders:

(7) Chiefs (8-6)

(8) Chargers (8-6)

(9) Bills (8-6)

All of the craziness of the 2014 season has produced 3 potential playoff scenarios for the Chargers with two weeks left. They all include the Chargers winning their final 2 games and:

2 losses by the Bengals OR

2 losses by the Steelers OR

1 loss by the Ravens

Week 16

Ravens at the Texans

The Texans gave the Colts a good fight on the road last week, and the Ravens managed to take down the 2-11 Jaguars at home by 8 points on Sunday. A Ravens' loss would be the best thing that could happen for Chargers fans during the Sunday slate of games. Given the Ravens inconsistencies and the fact that they are on the road, it's entirely possible.

Chiefs at the Steelers

How crazy is the playoff race that we now have to root for the Chiefs who share the same record as the Bolts? Anyways, winning at Hines Field is a tough task. Let's hope the Chiefs can ride Jamaal Charles to a victory, and maybe wear him out for week 17.

Broncos at Bengals

It feels gross to have to root for two AFC West Rivals to win this weekend, but that's what it has come down to. Monday Night Football could have major implications, considering a Ravens loss or a Steelers and Bengals loss would give the Chargers a win-and-in chance at the playoffs in week 17. That is, however, assuming they win Saturday night in San Francisco in the Dysfunctional Bowl primetime against a struggling 49ers. That is a dangerous assumption.