The AFC Playoff Picture is truly heating up now, as the race for the top seed is still on, and we still do not have a division clinched as we approach Week 17. This upcoming week is a unique won, as there are multiple games on Thursday, two massive games on Saturday, and also the normal primetime slate on Sunday and Monday.
This conference appears to be quite deep, and there is an argument for most playoff teams in the AFC to make a run to the Super Bowl this year. It's truly wide open, especially without the Kansas City Chiefs.
Approaching Week 17, let's power rank the AFC playoff teams and see where they all stack up.
Power ranking all current AFC playoff teams approaching Week 17 action
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a relatively average team and will now not have DK Metcalf for the final two games of the regular season. I am not sure Pittsburgh is built to win a playoff game this year, and I really believe that they are only in the top spot in the AFC North because the Baltimore Ravens just began the year in a rough spot. The Steelers are, by far, the 'worst' playoff team in the AFC.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers' poor offensive line is going to catch up to them at some point - Justin Herbert has been sacked nearly 50 times this year and is really doing a lot. LA is a good team, but nothing more, and I believe they are going to endure the same fate this year in the playoffs that they did last year - a blowout loss in the first round. The roster still needs a bit of work.
5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have seen both sides of the ball regress this year, but they're still stacking wins. With the New England Patriots surging, Buffalo still has work to do to win the AFC East. Many are wondering if this is the year for Josh Allen and the Bills since the team won't have to deal with the Chiefs, but this roster is rather average, and Buffalo is currently set to be on the road in the first round of the playoffs if they can win the AFC East this year.