{"id":99806,"date":"2020-12-16T09:30:30","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T14:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=99806"},"modified":"2020-12-16T06:30:38","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T11:30:38","slug":"2020-afc-playoff-picture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/12\/16\/2020-afc-playoff-picture\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 AFC Playoff Picture: How It’s Shaping Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2020 AFC playoff picture is looking mighty interesting. It truly began taking shape Monday night, when the Cleveland Browns<\/a> and Baltimore Ravens<\/a> played what looked and felt like an edge-of-the-seat playoff game.<\/p>\n

AFC Playoff Picture 2020: Steelers, Chiefs at top; Browns clear wild-card<\/h2>\n

Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens<\/h4>\n

After a dismal 25 years, the Browns don\u2019t have to apologize for where they stand now. 9-4, wild card spot all but clinched. Kevin Stefanski<\/strong> is calm yet creative. Baker Mayfield<\/a> <\/strong>is playing at the level he was supposed to<\/a> all along. They don\u2019t have many obstacles remaining. The New York Giants<\/a>, New York Jets<\/a> and Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> may rest their starters. The Browns and Ravens should both be playing Wild Card Weekend. Let\u2019s take a look at how the rest of playoff picture is shaping up.<\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs<\/h4>\n

The Chiefs<\/a> don\u2019t even have to win out to be the AFC\u2019s top seed. Turns out that it\u2019s possible for Patrick Mahomes<\/a> <\/strong>to throw three interceptions in one game. But it\u2019s still not enough to shake this powerhouse team. Travis Kelce<\/a> <\/strong>could be the first tight end ever to lead the NFL in receiving yards. The Chiefs\u2019 12-1 record didn\u2019t come easy but they have something special up their sleeves that will be on display soon.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h4>\n

They\u2019ve all but won the AFC North and they are real Super Bowl Contenders. This conference has no real dominant defense, so Pittsburgh\u2019s pass rush will easily carry them. However, their offensive passing game leaves plenty to be desired. They need to improve that dramatically. They will likely clinch the AFC North against the Cincinnati Bengals.<\/a><\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills<\/h4>\n

Their significantly improved defensive performance was the biggest development in the AFC this month. The Bills<\/a> already won the AFC East and that it something they haven\u2019t accomplished in 25 years. Their pass rush has declined slightly, but defense sits at 11th<\/sup>. With that, the Bills are capable of beating any team. Along with about seven other teams, they have a realistic chance of winning the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts<\/h4>\n

The Colts<\/a> had a convincing win against the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, making their journey to the playoffs much easier. They can afford to rest their starters in week 17. They\u2019re a complete team, and an AFC title game appearance is possible. However, they must face the Steelers, and they have enough weaknesses to prevent them from getting to the very top.<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans<\/h4>\n

Home-field advantage isn\u2019t a factor this season, which means coaches can experiment with different strategies for seeding. The Titans<\/a> just need to decide what\u2019s more important \u2013 improving to become the No. 4 seed by giving it everything in their final regular season game. Or resting their starters. They\u2019ll face the Packers<\/a>, which will be a challenging test.<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins<\/h4>\n

The Dolphins<\/a> need to win out against the New England Patriots<\/a>, Raiders and Bills. They couldn\u2019t have lost key players to injury at a worse time. Tua Tagovailoa<\/a><\/strong> is progressing well, but isn\u2019t enough to carry the team. It will take a miracle for them to make a wild-card appearance.<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders<\/h4>\n

They\u2019re about done. Their defense has let them down for the last three years. Offense is better, but not good enough. Winning against the Chargers and the Dolphins would keep them in the race until they face the Denver Broncos, but they can\u2019t get far.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>