The playoff picture for the AFC is as follows

CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the U.S.,Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit http:// ContactMichael ErwinSenior Manager, Corporate Michael Erwin, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications of CareerBuilder ,1-773-527-3637, . ESPN’s Peter Gammons today is reporting that the Boston Red Sox have asked Dustin Pedroia if he’d be willing to play shortstop in 2010.Gammons also says that Dustin would welcome the opportunity with open arms and is very excited about the possibility.Such a move makes a lot of sense when you look at the free agent and trade market.“They’ve asked me if I think I could play shortstop,” Pedroia says. “They’ve put it out there and I’ve told them I’m all for it I can do it. I can’t wait for Tito Terry Francona to call me and ask, ‘Can you do it’ I can do it. I really want to do it.”First, Pedroia has experience at short, its not like the Red Sox are going to ask him to learn a new position.Dustin was an all-American shortstop when playing at Arizona State and still takes ground balls at the position throughout the season.

The Sox have struggled to find a competent shortstop for years and if they rely on free agency they’ll continue to struggle. The best optionsOrlando Caberera, Marco Scutaro, Miguel Tejada and Adam Everett (whom the Sox have already contacted).The first three, Cabrera and Tejada aren’t even legitimate options in my opinion as both are aging players, will command a fairly high salary which may not be worth what they provide.So moving Pedroia who can hit and play defense over to short could make some sense.Even more so when you look at the available second baseman. Both of those players would be perfect fits in the Red Sox lineup and on the field.Uggla would provide the power Big Papi has been calling for, while Phillips could provide even more speed, some pop and solid defense.Unfortunately the move isn’t official yet, the Red Sox have only approached Dustin about the idea. Tell Derek Jeter to enjoy the gold glove and silver slugger awards while he can. I believe I can play shortstop and help get the Red Sox back where they belong.”I love Pedroia’s excitement, he’s one of the few Sox players I actually do like.Much like Jeter he plays the game the right way and gives it the respect it deserves. Seeing the heart of both teams play the same position and compete for the same awards, the same starting All-Star spot would be exciting.It would add just another wrinkle to the best rivalry in sports.But here’s the only thing I don’t like.What the hell does Dustin mean get the Sox back where they belong In my opinion, the 2010 season put the Sox back where they belong.In second place and watching the greatest franchise in sports history win another championship.So sorry Dustin, but you’ve already brought the Sox back to where they belong. This article is also featured on My Sports Rumors. With a chip on their shoulder the size of the UPMC building, the Steelers are preparing for their final push to the playoffs.

As Mike Tomlin stated, "We will unleash Hell here in December."Put to the side everything that has happened to this point in the season, because at this point, none of it matters AT ALL!The Steelers sit at 6-5, but in control of their own destiny. Pittsburgh's shot at winning the AFC North is bleak at best, but If they can win their next five games, they will be in the playoffs.The playoff picture for the AFC is as follows. Denver Broncos: 7-4Remaining games: Kansas City, Indianapolis, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Kansas CityThe Broncos will lose at least two of these games, likely against the Colts and Eagles That will leave them at 10-6. Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos, so if they finish with the same record, Pittsburgh will finish ahead of them. Baltimore Ravens: 6-5Remaining games: Green Bay, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh, OaklandThe Ravens have two games that will determine their playoff chances Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Both games are on the road, and they will have a hard time making it out with two wins. If Baltimore wins one of those games and takes care of of the teams they should beat, they make the six seed. However if Baltimore manages to win at Green Bay and at Pittsburgh, they will claim the five seed. Baltimore also holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos. Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-5Remaining games: Oakland, Cleveland, Green Bay, Baltimore, MiamiLike the Ravens, the Steelers have two tough games left. If Pittsburgh loses to Green Bay, and beats the Ravens, they would be the six seed; if they win them both, they will be the five seed. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-5Remaining games: Houston, Miami, Indianapolis, New England, ClevelandJacksonville has the hardest remaining schedule of all the teams left fighting for the final two playoff spots.

With games against New England and Indianapolis, they will have to win the other games to even have a chance. Miami and Houston are both trying to stay respectable, but if they lose one of those, their playoff chances are over. My PredictionPittsburgh finishes the season on a five-game winning streak. Their two toughest games will both be in Pittsburgh, where the hometown crowd will make it like a playoff atmosphere. Baltimore beat the Steelers in overtime without their two best players (Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu), and they should both be back by the time these two games are played.Baltimore will win each of their remaining games except their matchup away at Pittsburgh. At the end of the season the fight for the final two playoff spots should look like this:Pittsburgh, 11-5Baltimore, 10-6Denver, 10-6Jacksonville, 9-7This puts Pittsburgh as the five seed, and by virtue of the tiebreaker, Baltimore gets the six seed. Playoff MatchupsThe Indianapolis Colts, with a three-game lead over the Bengals and Patriots, will lock down the top seed within three weeks.Even though the Bengals currently have a one-game lead over the Patriots for the two seed, the Bengals still have to play the Vikings and Chargers, who are both battling for playoff position.