If I'd been aware that both Conferences were futher divided into 4 divisions each; a lot of effort could have been saved in trying to figure out why the Chargers (with an 8-8 record) qualified for the playoffs ahead of - for example - the Patriots (11-5). Apparently it has something to do with
affirmative action for people on the western sea-board.
With respect to the upcoming playoffs, according to:
http://www.nfl.com/schedules?seasonType=POST#Week
AFC
Titans will either play Chargers, Colts or Ravens
while Steelers will play either Dolphins, Chargers or Colts.
As Chargers are playing the Colts, clearly Titans can only play the Ravens if the latter beat the Dolphins.
I'm guessing that the rationale for the above draw is that because the Titans are AFC champs, their next game should be against the weakest remaining competitor ie the team with worst regular season record.
Can someone confirm this? (It's for homework).