AFC Playoff Picture Predictions: Dolphins get into the field

AFC Playoff Picture No. 1 seed: Kansas City Chiefs

Make no mistake, even though the Kansas City Chiefs do not hold the best record, they are still the best team in the NFL. They currently sit atop the AFC West at 8-1 with a comfortable 2.5 game lead on the Las Vegas Raiders. Considering they are the reigning Super Bowl champions, this is not unexpected. However, their team has arguably improved drastically since then.

Their offense is averaging 31.8 points per game, second in the league behind Seattle and a whole two points higher than in 2019. Their defense has also been incredibly solid, allowing only 20.3 points per game. Lost in a lot of their success is that Patrick Mahomes is far and away the most valuable player in football right now, boasting a 25-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

The Chiefs schedule the rest of the way is not too bad, as their remaining opponents have a combined record of 30-27. Victories against the Buccaneers and Saints in Weeks 12 and 15 will be crucial for their chances at the top seed, though they have shown their ability to beat strong teams with commanding victories against the Bills and Ravens earlier in the season.

Even though they currently sit half a game back of the Steelers, there are essentially no holes in their game, giving them the best chance at the top seed and a clear path back to the Super Bowl.