The race for the AFC playoffs is heating up as we get through Week 14 in the NFL. While no teams have officially clinched playoff berths, the New England Patriots have been eliminated. The Kansas City Chiefs are looking vulnerable yet they’re still the Chiefs so betting against them would not be wise.
There have been a few surprising teams to come out like free no deposit chip bonus codes like the Houston Texans and its rookie quarterback. It’s like free money at this point betting on some of these favorites so what are the most likely outcomes of the next month of the NFL season?
Most Likely AFC Playoff Scenarios
AFC North
Every AFC North team is still alive and right in the thick of things. The Baltimore Ravens have been able to stay healthier than in year’s past and are seemingly running the division. They’re the best bet to win.
The Cleveland Browns have had to succeed with a number of options at quarterback. Admittedly, they have been hit incredibly hard by the injury bug. However, they have the Bears, Texans, Jets, and Bengals the rest of the way. Winning the two winnable games will get them him via the Wild Card.
The Steelers had a small bump after firing Matt Canada but they’re still floundering on offense. There is a real scenario that they lose out with games against the Colts, Bengals, Seahawks and Ravens.
Finally, the Bengals have been quite the story. Despite losing Joe Burrow, Cincinnati has been rolling and playing some of its best football. Jake Browning is not Burrow but he doesn’t have to be. With games against the Vikings, Steelers, Chiefs, and Browns, Cincinnati will have to win three to remain in the conversation but will likely need help.
AFC South
Your guess is as good as any’s with the South. The Jacksonville Jaguars are still the favorites to win the division despite faltering of late. After facing the Ravens in Week 14, the Jags have the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Titans. With this seemingly favorable schedule, they should win the division.
The surprise of the league has been the Houston Texans. C.J. Stroud has been exorcising the Ohio State quarterback demons and, as of the end of Week 13, was leading the way in passing yards. With the Titans (with Stroud likely out), Browns, Titans again, and the Colts, it’s make-or-break season.
The final playoff-worthy team has been another surprise, the Indianapolis Colts. They’ve had to roll with Gardner Minshew at quarterback and have, for the most part, looked good enough to challenge for a Wild Card spot.
AFC West
Normally, we’d say it’s Chiefs or bust. Of the last few weeks, the bust has been winning. Either way, barring a nuclear collapse, KC wins the West with the impressive comeback from the Broncos falling just short.
With those Broncos, they have a very favorable schedule remaining. After the Lions in Week 14, they have the Patriots, Chargers, and Raiders. Who would have thought after losing 70-20 that the Broncos could make the playoffs?
Neither the Chargers nor Raiders are going to challenge for the playoffs, unfortunately for them.
AFC East
This is a fun battle, to say the least. The Dolphins are looking like they’ll come out of the East but there is a legitimate path for them to falter. After the Jets, they face off with the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills. If they end up with three wins, they’ll be battle-tested for the playoffs and well worth a look to make a run.
Right behind them is the Bills who could very well parlay their big win over the Chiefs into a run that results in a division title. With Josh Allen at the helm, anything is possible. Anything.
The Jets look like they could play spoilers for a few teams but won’t contend themselves.
Race for the Top Seed
Realistically, the Chiefs, Ravens, and Dolphins have a shot at the top seed. Kansas City has the easiest path of the three considering Baltimore and Miami actually have to face off against one another. Patrick Mahomes has never played a playoff game away from home. Could this year be the year? With how well the Ravens and Dolphins have been playing, it’s incredibly likely.
Winning Teams at Home
So, as the dust settles, the Chiefs, Ravens, Dolphins, and Jaguars take their divisions. The three Wild Card spots would fall to the Texans, Browns, and Broncos. Who gets left out?
The Bengals could very well end up with 10 wins and be left home, as could the Colts. Buffalo, in this AFC playoff scenario, would fall short with nine wins, unfortunately.
Main Image: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
