Seven divisions still up for grabs

With three weeks left in this unpredictable NFL season, there is only one sure thing: The Patriots will win the AFC East title. Here are the races, by division, as teams try to clinch a spot in the league's postseason tournament:

AFC East
New England's snowy win over Miami was enormous, since it means the Pats can do no worse than 11-5 and the Dolphins can do no better than 11-5. And because New England won both head-to-head meetings with Miami, it will be the division champ. Miami now must battle at least Tennessee and Denver for one of the two wild-card spots. Buffalo and the Jets are still alive, barely, but most likely will fill the role of spoiler as they each play Miami and New England in the season's final two weeks.

AFC North

Baltimore's decisive victory over Cincinnati pushed the surging Ravens ahead of the surprising Bengals by a game. The winner of this division likely will be the division's lone playoff representative. Believe it or not, the disappointing Steelers still have a shot if they win their last three games and the Bengals and Ravens lose their last three. A Sunday-night game vs. the Steelers in Baltimore on Dec. 28 could mean something after all. The Browns have a 2-7 conference record, which severely hurts their chances for winning the division.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe