[Sylvanfan]

As of right now the AFC has what I'd consider to be 7 teams all but eliminated from the playoff race before the midway point of the season. I know the Pats came back from a 2-5 record to win the Superbowl, but I don't know if any of the AFC's current crop of 2-5 teams will be able to pull that off. With a 2-5 record 2 more losses will seriously hurt your playoff hopes as no 9-7 team will win their division this year, and even at 9-7 for a wild card spot you're looking at a tie breaker against 2-3 other teams. Pittsburgh has too many tough games left on their schedule to finish better than 9-7 now in my opinion. Last year they had to win 4 straight to get into the playoffs, now they have to win 9 of 10 to get in, and still have to play New Orleans, Carolina, Baltimore x2, @Cincinatti, and Denver. If they pull it off they'll have earned it.