The AFC Playoff Picture could very likely not have all of Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow this year, but as we can all see, teams are more than just their starting quarterbacks. There are dozens of other players on a roster that contribute to the end goal.
With the parity at an all-time high this year and other AFC teams simply catching up in terms of roster talent, the AFC has looked a lot different this year than in prior seasons. As of now, the playoff picture would bring some very interesting seeding and matchups.
And as we approach Week 16, we power ranked all seven AFC teams currently in a playoff spot.
Ranking the seven AFC playoff teams approaching crucial Week 16 action
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most average teams in the NFL, ranking 13th in points scored and 18th in points allowed. Sure, the AFC North title could be theirs, but it's mainly been due to a regression year by the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh would go one-and-done in the playoffs this year. There isn't anything special about this squad.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers, if nothing else, have a top defense and a QB in Justin Herbert who can sometimes be great. The banged-up offensive line and Herbert's poor history in the playoffs don't really paint a pretty picture for LA when the postseason rolls around. This team is not built to win a playoff game, primarily lacking top-end talent and key depth.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
With Trevor Lawrence heating up, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be peaking at the right time. The Jags can also run the ball well and stop the run, which is a recipe for success, but there is still a massive unknown with this team. Jacksonville is good, perhaps on the cusp of being great. These final three games will tell us a lot about how far this team can go in the playoffs.
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.