Big Changes in the AFC Playoff Landscape
This season’s AFC playoff picture is shaping up to be quite different from recent years. The Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and possibly the Baltimore Ravens are all set to miss out on the postseason, a stark shift in expectations.
Chiefs’ Streak Comes to an End
The Chiefs’ impressive run of nine consecutive AFC West titles and seven straight conference championship games appears to be over following their 20-10 defeat to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs, who have dominated the AFC with three consecutive titles, are likely to miss the playoffs for the first time during Patrick Mahomes’ tenure. In contrast, the Texans are enjoying a resurgence, winning their last five games and securing a playoff spot for the first time this season.
Bengals and Ravens Struggle
Similarly, the Bengals are out of contention after squandering a 10-point lead against the Buffalo Bills, ultimately losing 39-34. Following two straight losses in the division, the Ravens have also fallen out of the playoff race, highlighting a challenging environment for expected contenders.
New Teams on the Rise
The door is now open for emerging teams in the conference, notably the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Jacksonville Jaguars, all of whom are setting the stage for an exciting January. The Colts, however, faced a significant setback when their QB, Daniel Jones, was likely lost to a torn Achilles in a divisional game against the Jaguars.
Coaching Recognitions and Team Standings
The Jaguars have clinched the top position in the AFC South with a four-game winning streak, and Liam Coen’s coaching has been crucial to their success. Meanwhile, a bye week for the Patriots allowed the Broncos to seize the top seed in the AFC, thanks to a ten-game winning streak after defeating the Raiders.
Successful NFC Teams
In the NFC, the Rams reclaimed the top spot by defeating the Cardinals, while the Chicago Bears plummeted to the seventh seed after losing to the Packers. The Packers have enjoyed a resurgence, winning four straight games and regaining control of the NFC North.
Unraveling Quarterback Situations
Looking ahead, the Colts are left reeling after Jones’ injury and face a daunting schedule. The tight NFC South race is still ongoing, with the Saints causing concern for the Buccaneers. With divisional matchups looming, the playoff picture is uncertain for many teams as the season nears its conclusion.
