Unless something major happens, the current AFC playoff picture is going to remain. The Baltimore Ravens did beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 to stay alive, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the driver's seat.
It is very likely that the AFC playoffs this year do not have Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Joe Burrow, but that just goes to show you that it's not always about the QB. As Week 17 continues on, we've power ranked the AFC postseason QBs.
Let's get into those rankings right here. Who stands at the top?
Power ranking every AFC playoff quarterback as Week 17 action continues
7. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
CJ Stroud is a good quarterback. but I'm not sure he's great. With that being said, the Texans have won double-digit games in each year he's been the starter, so he's clearly a franchise guy. The Texans are now 11-2 over their past 13 games and could still win the AFC South this year. Stroud might not be someone who is capable of leading this team deep into the playoffs, but there is an element of simply winning that he possesses.
6. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers is clearly not the quarterback he once was, but he's still Aaron Rodgers and will go into the AFC playoffs, likely, as the most experienced QB in the conference. This is also probably his last season in the NFL, so he's going to want to make it count.
Rodgers' ability to process the game from the pocket and carve up opposing defenses could be to his benefit here, as there isn't anything he has not seen in the NFL.
5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has had a good season this year for the LA Chargers, but he's been dealing with subpar offensive line play and has tossed 13 interceptions. Herbert is also 0-2 in the playoffs and has honestly played horribly in the postseason. With the way the Chargers are built, you struggle to see how this team is good enough to win a game in the playoffs.
4. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are now champions of the AFC West thanks to the Los Angeles Chargers losing in Week 17 to the Houston Texans. Denver wins the division for the first time since 2015, and Bo Nix has led the charge.
Sure, the defense is great, but Nix has turned into, arguably, the most clutch QB in the league. It's also pretty clear that the raw stats from Nix don't do his season justice, and it's important to have that key context. Denver is 13-3 for a reason, and we've seen the second-year QB come through in many instances where it was simply necessary to win.
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence has been beating up big-time for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it seems like he's now super comfortable in Liam Coen's offense. The trade deadline addition of Jakobi Meyers was also a huge help here, but the Jags are really hitting their stride at the perfect time. Jacksonville is still in the driver's seat for the AFC South title as well and will very likely host a playoff game.
And it's honestly a bit scary to imagine just how good Lawrence and the Jags can be in 2026 when they add another wide receiver and have another year to get settled into this offense.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has had to carry a bigger load in the Buffalo Bills' offense this year, as their wide receiver room has been underperforming, and even the defense has taken a step back. Allen is the reigning MVP and is able to turn into Superman when needed, but the one obvious downside here is that the costly turnovers are still a part of his game, but this could be the best chance that Allen and the Bills have at winning it all.
1. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye has had a great season for the New England Patriots this year and has consistently been a top-5 QB this year, but the overall lack of experience in the playoffs could be something that impacts New England this year.