Much has changed since we last examined the NFL playoff field; some dude named T.J. Yates is a prominent AFC playoff figure; Jay Cutler and Matt Forte will spend December watching from the sidelines; and the Denver Broncos are in prime position to reach the playoffs thanks to their moderately popular quarterback.

AFC

#1 – New England Patriots (AFC East champion, bye)

#2 – Houston Texans (AFC South champion, bye)

#3 – Baltimore Ravens (AFC North champion)

#4 – Denver Broncos (AFC West champion)

#5  – Pittsburgh Steelers (Wild Card)

#6 – Cincinnati Bengals (Wild Card)

NFC

#1 – Green Bay Packers (NFC North champion, bye)

#2 – San Francisco 49ers (NFC West champion, bye)

#3 – New Orleans Saints (NFC South champion)

#4 – Dallas Cowboys (NFC East champion)

#5 – Chicago Bears (Wild Card)

#6 – Atlanta Falcons (Wild Card)

PROPOSED, FICTIONAL TV SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 @ 4:30PM – #6 Cincinnati at #3 Baltimore (NBC)*

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 @ 8:00PM – #5 Chicago at #4 Dallas (NBC)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 @ 1:00PM – #6 Atlanta at #3 New Orleans (FOX)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 @ 4:30PM – #5 Pittsburgh at #4 Denver (CBS)

*Also known as the “Brad Nessler or Tom Hammond Game.”