BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New England Patriots, as usual, are running away with the AFC East and are shoe-in playoff contenders.
The rest of the division, not so much. But, despite the Buffalo Bills (4-6), Miami Dolphins (4-6) and (especially) New York Jets (4-7) being lumped into the "doubtful" column, math is math.
Here's how fans of the bottom-three AFC East trio will be rooting outside of their respective games this week:
Browns (2-8) over Steelers (6-4) in Cleveland.
Raiders (3-7) over Bengals (5-5) in Cincinnati.
Ravens (8-2) over Chargers (4-6) in San Diego.
Jaguars (1-9) over Titans (4-6) in Jacksonville.
Chiefs (1-9) over Broncos (7-3) in Kansas City.
Analysis: The Colts (6-4), who face the Bills this week, and Steelers hold the two Wildcard spots as of now. A Bills win would benefit the Dolphins, who get another shot at Buffalo later in the season.
The Browns will be up against Pittsburgh third-string quarterback Charlie Batch, and Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer has something to prove against his former team.
Also, the Ravens should be able to take care of business out West, and the Jags hope Chad Henne, who threw four touchdown passes last week, can help Jax play spoiler against Tennessee.
As for the Chiefs against Peyton Manning... good luck.
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