2009 NFL Playoff Projections, Preview After Week 16

Now that the BCS College Bowl season has kicked off, its time to make our foray into the NFL Playoff picture. The big game from last weekend in what may be a preview of the AFC championship game was the Tennessee Titan victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (31-14) resulting in the Titans clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs!

We'll take a look at the current NFL playoff picture based on the current tie-breaking procedures as if the season were complete today. When trying to determine tie-breakers, or how your favorite team can make the playoffs, ensure you check out the new NFL Playoff Tie-breaking rules here!

NFL Playoff Schedule

Jan. 3, 2009: AFC, NFC wild-card games

Jan. 4, 2009: AFC wild-card game ; NFC wild-card game

Jan. 10, 2009: AFC divisional playoff game; NFC divisional playoff game

Jan. 11, 2009: AFC divisional playoff game; NFC divisional playoff game

Jan. 18, 2009: AFC Championship Game; NFC Championship Game

Feb. 1:Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida

AFC Highlights

Tennessee has clinched the AFC South, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout playoffs. Pittsburgh has clinched the AFC North and a first-round bye. Indianapolis has clinched a wild card spot and a seeding no worse than a Nr 5.

AFC Projections for Jan 3^rd and 4^th Wild-Card Games

Games listed are based on the new tie-breaking procedures found here!

Indianapolis Colts (11-4) at the Denver Broncos (8-7)

Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at the Miami Dolphins (10-5)

AFC Byes:

Tennessee Titans (13-2)

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)

AFC Teams With Playoff Hopes Remaining

New England (10-5), New York Jets (9-6) and San Diego (7-8)

NFC Highlights

New York Giants have clinched the NFC East, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Arizona has clinched the NFC West. Carolina and Atlanta have clinched playoff berths.

NFC Projections for Jan 3^rd and 4^th Wild-Card Games

Atlanta Falcons (10-5) at the Arizona Cardinals (8-7)

Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at the Minnesota Vikings (9-6)

NFC Byes:

New York Giants (12-3)

Carolina Panthers (11-4)

Teams With Playoff Hopes Remaining

Tampa Bay (9-6), Philadelphia (8-6-1) and Chicago (8-6)