2. Kansas City Chiefs
This win was huge for the Kansas City Chiefs as they improved to 13-3 with a game against the Raiders to close out the year. They’re now right there with the Buffalo Bills, who also have three losses. Should the Bills add a fourth loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Chiefs could find themselves stealing the No. 1 seed.
They know also that Cincinnati won’t catch them either if they win next week since they’re already sitting with four losses. So clearly, the Chiefs now have a rooting interest on Monday as a loss for Buffalo puts them in the driver’s seat next week.
But even if they don’t get home field, this is a tough offense to deal with, especially if they can get their running game back on track.
1. Buffalo Bills
Plays on Monday Night Football vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Since they have a win this season over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills are in control of the No. 1 seed in the AFC even with the Chiefs improving to 13-3. Buffalo enters their Monday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals with a record of 11-4.
They too can make a run but will need some help — as well as a win over the Bills. For Buffalo, a win on Monday keeps that from happening and sets them up with a chance to lock up the top seed against New England — who they already beat 24-10 on the road.
With a lot on the line, and in front of their home crowd, that feels like they would have the advantage. But of course, they have to win at Cincinnati first.