Are the NFL Playoffs Set? AFC Preview

As week 10 of the NFL season kicks off the playoff picture is coming into shape. The expected contenders have separated themselves from the pack, the Saints, Rams, Chiefs, Patriots are clear Super Bowl favorites at the moment. We have also seen a few pleasant surprises so far. The Washington Redskins lead the NFC East and Chicago Bears sit atop the NFC North. With only seven weeks left in the season, we look at the standings and ask if the playoff picture is already set. We start with the AFC.

Currently, the AFC playoffs look like this 1. Kansas City 2. New England 3.Pittsburgh 4. Houston 5. Los Angeles Chargers 6. Cincinnati

Early on the AFC looked weak and overmatched by the strength of the NFC. But thanks to a resurgent Deshaun Watson the Texans have won six straight and are leading the AFC South. In New England, Bill Belichick and the Patriots continue to run over opponents and are the only team to have beaten Kansas City. Pittsburgh has followed the script and just dismantled a strong Carolina Panthers team.

The AFC West appears to be the only division still up for grabs. Both the Chiefs and Chargers can still win the division and are only separated by one loss. Combined the two teams have three losses, both fell to the Rams while the Chiefs beat the Chargers week one and Kansas City lost in New England. Both will make the playoffs but both will be fighting for the division crown and a bye.

However, the final seed remains up for grabs. The sixth seed is currently occupied by Cincinnati but their spot is far from safe. After a 4-1 start, the Bengals have lost two of their last three and have become very suspect on defense. Things may only get worse for the Bengals as they have an extremely difficult schedule remaining. They still have to play Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore, and Los Angeles (Chargers). If the Bengals can win three of those game they will make the playoffs, but that is unlikely to happen. Miami, Baltimore, and Tennessee are all right behind Cincinnati and can certainly pass the Bengals and grab the final playoff spot. Out of those four teams, Baltimore looks most likely to jump the Bengals and claim the final playoff position. They have an elite defense that could carry them into the playoffs with just enough offense to win games.

With less than two months remaining in the season, most of the AFC playoff picture is set. Outside of Cincinnati, we know who will be in the playoffs at the end of the season. All that needs to be determined is seeding, which remains very entertaining. This is how the AFC playoffs will look at the end of the year.

1. New England 2. Kansas City 3. Pittsburgh 4. Houston 5. LA Chargers 6. Baltimore

Next week I will examine the NFC and who will be in and who will be out come playoff time.

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