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In this article, I’ll briefly overview the final stretch of the regular season and how I think the standings will shake out in the AFC.
AFC
1: Jaguars
One of the most impressive seasons from a quarterback, with adequate usage and just two interceptions, all while clinching the first-round bye well in advance of the playoffs. 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.
2: Browns
Dot looked confused and washed early in the season, at least for him, but has quickly recovered to his usual form, capable of winning any game. His top defense is going to be scary for anyone, but will Shedeur perform under the pressure of the postseason? His schedule to end the season is no easy task, but I’ll say he beats all three of the Bills, Steelers, and Bengals.
3: Broncos
There was a huge swing in the AFC West recently with the Broncos surprise loss to Green Bay and the Raiders huge shock win over the undefeated Eagles. However, 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.
4: Jets
GIVE ME AROD. He’s 6-8 right now, just one game back of the 7-7 Bills, but the Jets are 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.
5: Ravens
Mark had a sketchy loss to the Bengals that seriously put his playoff chances in jeopardy, but has bounced back well and I expect that to continue with his final two games against the Packers and Steelers. 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.
6: Colts
Greeny has really been a force so far, struggling on defense at times, but having a phenomenal season with his rush attack and Anthony Richardson. 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.
7: Raiders
While I think Beast comes up short of a division crown, thanks to Fallen closing out his schedule, I think he still gets a reward for beating the unbeaten Eagles: Oh, just Dot the guy he lost to last cycle in the Super Bowl and one of PML’s best users. But, if he beat Philly, he can definitely beat Cleveland. 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.
Just Outside: Steelers, Texans, Bills, So Close!
The AFC is an absolute mess, and I love it. Very entertaining to wind down season one and head into the postseason. Steelers vs Ravens and Colts vs Texans will be an early playoff game in week 18 where the winner gets in, the loser goes home.
