There is one more game in the AFC, as the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots in the conference title game. The Broncos are playing this game without Bo Nix, but the team's defense is a good matchup for the New England offense, and Jarrett Stidham is a capable backup.
Anyway, even with all the parity in the NFL this year, you could argue that the four best teams from the regular season are the ones still alive. Furthermore, both no. 1 seeds are still in the mix, and in the AFC, the one and two seeds are the two teams left.
Even with the unexpected playoff picture that we ended up getting, the top teams are left. Ahead of the conference title games, and for one of the final times this year, let's power rank the AFC.
Updated AFC Power Rankings ahead of the conference title games in 2025
16. New York Jets
Not even registering an interception this year and not having a clear path to a young QB in 2026, the New York Jets might only be just getting started in terms of losing. This franchise is in a rough spot, to put it lightly.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza is eventually going to get drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, but only time will tell if he can be a franchise QB in this league. If not, the Raiders are going to fall behind for another few seasons.
14. Tennessee Titans
Robert Saleh is now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and might have a special QB in Cam Ward. I am not sure Saleh was a great hire, but he gets back into the HC ranks after just one year out of them. He was the 49ers DC in 2025.
13. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns definitely need a ton of help on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense is just about set. It will be interesting to see how the Browns use two first-round picks in April, as the 2025 rookie class from GM Andrew Berry was quite encouraging.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are picking inside the top-10 in April and have to nail this pick, as it's not likely that they'll pick this high ever again in the Patrick Mahomes era.
11. Miami Dolphins
Miami hired Jeff Hafley as their head coach and are going to try and rebuild this roster to thrive late in the season, but the quarterback situation is a massive unknown at this point.