In the middle of week 15, with teams having either two or three games left, I predicted how the complicated and crowded AFC would shake out. Let’s see how my takes aged.
1 Seed
Prediction
“Jaguars: He’ll sit people or he won’t, but he will win his final two divisional matchups against the Colts and Titans and enter at 16-1 with time to rest, recover, and watch a whole lot of film on the Browns.”
Reality
Jaguars: Would you look at that, 16-1. Some people rested, some didn’t, but he took care of business as expected and now better start watching that Shedeur tape.
2 Seed
Prediction
“Browns: His schedule to end the season is no easy task, but I’ll say he beats all three of the Bills, Steelers, and Bengals.”
Reality
Browns: The Bills didn’t put up much of the fight, but Dot had to eek out tough divisional wins and he did to keep me perfect as he slid in to the 2 seed comfortably.
3 Seed
Prediction
“Broncos: Denver holds the lead right now, and with two divisional games against the Chiefs and Chargers standing in between them and the playoffs, I think they’ll hang on. That would let them in at 10-7, but a 5-1 division record as the key.”
Reality
Broncos: It wasn’t all that pretty, but Fallen and Bo Nix did enough to lock up the division as they should. He had pretty good motivation in getting away from the Browns, at least for the Wildcard.
4 Seed
Prediction
“Jets: Undefeated in the division so far and have the Saints, Patriots, and Bills themselves to close. I expect the Jets to win those first two and start the playoffs a week early in a win or go home game with the Bills. And what did I say? GIVE ME AROD to make the season one playoffs with the Jets at 9-8.”
Reality
Jets: A sketchy loss to the Patriots kept New York away from staying above .500, but they won their week 18 playoff game against the rival Bills and Arod is in the season one playoffs with a team that is 0-7 in real life. Major props all around.
5 Seed
Prediction
“Ravens: It might take 2-0 to get in, but I think Lamar and the defense will get it done. 10 wins seems to be the line in the AFC, the Ravens will get the coveted 5 seed with 11.”
Reality
Ravens: It was no easy feat to finish strong and get in at the 5 seed while beating the red hot Packers and rival Steelers who Baltimore got to send packing, but Mark did it. I think he misses the playoffs with a week 18 loss, too, but now he gets Arod in the Wildcard instead.
6 Seed
Prediction
“Colts: I don’t think he’ll beat the Jags, regardless of who they put on the field, but will clean up the Texans and get that benchmark ten wins and a playoff matchup with either the Broncos, thanks to a head to head tiebreaker.”
Reality
Colts: Greeny has a very dynamic and efficient offense featuring the run game and that’s winning football. Maybe not against the elite defenses, just yet, but he did beat the Texans and clinch a matchup with Denver tonight.
7 Seed
Prediction
Raiders: “I hope this isn’t premature, though, a loss to the Texans puts his playoff spot in doubt, but I think he beats the Giants and Chiefs and comes in at 10-7, just above the Steelers and Texans.”
Reality
Raiders: It was not premature! Go beat Dot now Beast! Vegas really turned around their season and sneaked in thanks to some quality wins. I am happy to report that zero ten win teams missed the playoffs.
Just A Bit Outside
Prediction
Steelers, Texans, Bills
Reality
Steelers, Texans, Bills. DK lost his win and in as I predicted, hurting the Bears draft pick. Casper gets held out in his chance, but Stroud in a full season prob gets him in. JP loses his chance, Josh Allen outplayed by Justin Fields. Shoutout me for my perfect predictions all the way through in the AFC! A meaningless accomplishment!
