4. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are 9-2 in their last 11 games after a brutal 0-3 start. Not only has the defense been great all year, but CJ Stroud and the offense are heating up, and as we have said before, Houston is better than their record indicates. With strong defenses being able to travel well, the Texans could win a playoff game or two this postseason
3. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 and are now 11-3 on the season, leaving the door slightly open for Buffalo to win the AFC East again. We did just see the Pats blow a 21-point lead at home, which simply cannot happen.
New England might be playing with house money a bit and could be a year early, so their chances at making a deep playoff run could be low. However, second-year QB Drake Maye has hit his stride, and the defense is excellent.
The Patriots drop a spot and are no. 3 in our AFC playoff team power rankings approaching Week 16.
2. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has had to carry this team more than in previous years, but the Buffalo Bills are still 10-4 on the season and could win the AFC East. The defense has regressed, and the lack of a key high-end weapon on offense outside of James Cook has really made things tough at times on that side of the ball.
However, Allen is the reigning MVP and might have a clear path to the Super Bowl this year. Buffalo's NFL Draft classes as of late have not been good, and if they fail to get to the big game this year, you'd have to wonder if the era of Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott could come to an end?
1. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are the best team in the NFL right now, riding a league-best 11-game win streak. Sitting at 12-2, Denver hosts the 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 and could clinch both the AFC West and no. 1 playoff seed.
With the offense heating up at the right time, there might not be anything that the Broncos can't do. They are no. 1 in our power rankings.