Half of the NFL season is in the books and franchises are beginning to prepare for playoff contention. Competition continues to rise in the AFC – making it hard for teams to find separation in the conference standings. While coaching staffs prepare to embark on the final leg of the regular season – analysts begin to make their playoff predictions starting with division winners.
Here are my AFC divisional predictions.
NFL Predictions: AFC East: Buffalo Bills
Entering Week 9: Overall Record: (6-1) / Divisional Record: 0-1 / Conference Record: 4-1
The Buffalo Bills have enough talent to overcome tough games against the Dolphins and Jets to win the division. Josh Allen is on fire and their receivers torch opposing secondaries. Electric offensive performances rank Ken Dorsey’s offense first in yards per game (430.6). Defensively, Buffalo is ranked first in points allowed per game (14) and interceptions (11).
Team to Watch: Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa’s return to the gridiron makes Miami a team to watch. Poise under center continues to lead the Dolphins to victories – resulting in consecutive wins against the Lions and Steelers. Tagovailoa is ranked first in quarterback rating (112.7) and third in completion percentage (69.9%). Miami has earned a 5-3 record heading into week nine and has the best divisional record (2-1) among teams in the North.
NFL Predictions: AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
Entering Week 9: Overall Record (5-3) / Divisional Record (2-0) / Conference Record (4-2)
Lamar Jackson is motivated to show his doubters how much he deserves a new contract. His performances on the gridiron this season will earn him an extension in the following off-season. Jackson ranks fourth in touchdown passes (15) and 10th in quarterback rating (94.2). Adding Roquan Smith on defense will help the Ravens keep incoming opponents out of the endzone. Baltimore ranks 20th in points allowed per game (22.9) and will need to limit scoring to secure a playoff berth.
Team to Watch: Cleveland Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals have the second-best overall record but have the worst divisional record among the four teams in the North (0-3). A 32-13 loss to the Browns in week 8, raised concerns for the reigning AFC champions.
In Cleveland, Alex Van Pelt’s offense is heating up and remains a threat after Monday Night’s performance. Veterans like Amari Cooper continue to carry Cleveland’s offense – currently ranked second in total yards (3,086). Cleveland has the second-worst record in the division but has the second-best divisional record (2-1) – leaving enough room to fight for a playoff seed.
NFL Predictions: AFC South: Tennessee Titans: Overall Record (5-2) / Divisional Record (3-0) / Conference Record (4-1)
Clinching a playoff berth in the AFC South will require Mike Vrabel’s squad to finish strong. Tennessee currently holds a one-game advantage in the divisional rankings – positioning the franchise ahead of its rivals entering week 8. Matchups against the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys will reveal the Titans’ identity. Their offense ranks last in the league in yards per game (285.6)
Dominant outings against divisional opponents will serve as Tennessee’s golden ticket into the playoffs. Two games against Jacksonville and an exhibition meeting with the Texans remain on the Titans’ schedule. If the Titans sweep the Jaguars, their odds of making the playoffs are high.
Team to Watch: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are ranked third in the division but could easily catch the Colts in the standings. The Colts are in second place with a (1-3-1) record in the division and Jacksonville is (1-2). Trevor Lawerence continues to show promise and could put an impressive streak of wins together against the Raiders, Lions, and Texans.
NFL Predictions: AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
Entering Week 9: Overall Record (5-2) / Divisional Record (2-0) / Conference Record (2-2)
Playing without Tyreek Hill could not stop Patrick Mahomes from finding success on the gridiron. No.15 continues to dominate opposing defenses, ranking fourth in passing yards (2,159) and average yards per pass (8.2). Assistance from reliable targets makes the Chiefs’ offense a threat every possession. Juju Smith -Schuster and Travis Kelce will continue to make plays against a weaker slate of opponents in the upcoming schedule – making clinching a playoff berth an easy task for Kansas City.
Team to Watch: Los Angeles Chargers
Here’s what I think the #NFL playoff bracket will look like at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/ew2pxNPRnw
— Loyal Ricks Jr. (@LoyalJRicksJr) November 2, 2022
Los Angeles has the second-best record in its division and is only one game behind in the divisional standings. The Chargers’ conference record (4-2) is the best in the division and will help them win in a tiebreaker situation.
Anticipation for the playoffs will rise as the season reaches its final stretch. Standings in the AFC remain tight – creating opportunities to sneak into the picture in the final weeks. Coaches across the conference understand the importance of clinching a berth and will ensure their squads are ready for the journey.