AFC Playoff Picture After Week 15: Patriots Control Their Destiny

BOSTON (CBS) - The path to the No. 1 seed got a whole lot more clear for the Patriots after Week 15 losses by the Ravens and Steelers, and a big win in Denver.

1. PATRIOTS (11-3)

At 11-3, the Patriots have a one-game lead on Baltimore and Pittsburgh with two games to go. They have already clinched the AFC East, and if they defeat the Dolphins and Bills over the last two weeks, they will earn the conference's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Check: Latest NFL Power Rankings

Here's a look at how the other AFC playoff contenders look with two weeks to go:

2. RAVENS (10-4)

Baltimore currently is the AFC North division leader and the No. 2 seed, thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Steelers, who are also 10-4. If the Ravens beat the Browns and Bengals over the next two weeks and the Patriots lose one of their final two games, they will earn the No. 1 seed.

3. TEXANS (10-4)

Houston has already clinched the AFC South. They have an outside shot at getting to the No. 1 or No. 2 seed, but they need to win their last two games (@ Colts, vs. Titans) and have a lot of help. Rookie QB T.J. Yates has played well in relief of Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, but his efforts may not be enough to put Houston over the top.

4. BRONCOS (8-6)

Denver controls its own fate in the AFC West. If they win their last two games (@ Bills, vs. Chiefs), they will win the division. But, the Chargers and Raiders are just one game back with two to play. Even Kansas City (at 6-8) still has a chance to win the division.

Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog

5. STEELERS (10-4)

The Steelers missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on Baltimore's Week 15 loss, losing on Monday night to the 49ers. Now, the Steelers will need to win their final two games (vs. Rams, @ Browns) and for the Patriots and Ravens to lose at least one game to get to the No. 1 seed. For now, though, they'll be on the road for Wild Card Weekend.

6. JETS (8-6)

The Jets, despite losing at Philadeplhia on Sunday, are still in a good spot with two weeks to go. They still likely need to win the last two games against the Giants and Dolphins, though. If they lose one or both of their final games, however...

TEAMS IN THE HUNT

BENGALS (8-6)

The Jets currently hold the slight edge in strength of victory, but if the Bengals manage to beat the 7-7 Cardinals and the 10-4 Ravens, that could change.

TITANS (7-7)

Tennessee is coming off a loss to the previously winless Indianapolis Colts. Despite that, they still have an outside shot at the playoffs. But, they need to win out (vs. Jaguars, @ Texans) and get help to get in.

RAIDERS (7-7)

The Raiders, who lost to the Lions last week, also don't control their own destiny. They need to beat the Chiefs and Chargers and get some help to get in as a Wild Card or AFC West winner.

CHARGERS (7-7)

Despite starting the season 4-7, the Chargers are riding a three-game winning streak that has them sniffing the playoffs. Like the Raiders, though, San Diego needs to win out (@ Lions, vs. Raiders) and some help to get in.