Handicapping the AFC field. (NFL: playoff preview keys to success).

Depth at cornerback

The Steelers' corners rallied after a shaky start, but Chad Scott, who will play with a broken hand, may be limited. Pittsburgh finished the season with as many interceptions as touchdown passes against it. Oakland is hoping its top corner, Charles Woodson (fibula), will be ready. If not, Terrance Shaw and a raw Clarence Love will play bigger roles. The Jets allowed opponents to complete a playoff-worst 66 percent of their attempts. Cleveland's pass defense was middle of the pack this season. Corey Fuller had his moments, but nickel back Anthony Henry was shaky. Tennessee allowed 27 touchdown passes. Samari Rolle is strong, but undersized Andre Dyson and rookie nickel back Mike Echols will be targeted.

 
1 Steelers 
2 Raiders 
3 Colts 
4 Jets 
5 Browns 
6 Titans 

Can control game with its ground attack

Tennessee's Eddie George, Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis and New York's Curtis Martin aren't what they used to be, but their teams would feel good with the ball in their hands and a lead. All are playoff-tested. The Raiders showed in Weeks 16 and 17 that they can win playing smash-mouth football, but they rarely commit to the run. The Browns' William Green looked like a draft bust before running for 94 or more yards in five of the last seven games, including last week, when he had 178 against Atlanta to get Cleveland into the playoffs. The Colts ranked 29th in the NFL at 3.5 yards per carry, so they will put the game in Peyton Manning's hands.

 
1 Titans 
2 Steelers 
3 Jets 
4 Raiders 
5 Browns 
6 Colts 

Premier pass rushers