The Playoff 14: The AFC
The calendar has turned to December. Meaning that we get to start talking about the word “Playoffs.” Teams have separated themselves from the pack in November to be able to talk about the playoffs. Each week until the end of the regular season I will be giving you the 14 playoff teams from each conference (7 AFC, 7 NFC). Let’s begin with the AFC.
PSA: This is my own list created on my thoughts and opinions.
7th Seed: Houston Texans (7-5)
The Houston Texans come in as the 7th seed this week because they are a team that feel they can play with any team they face week in and week out. This a team that had low expectations coming into the 2023 season. New editions coming from the two main positions that can turn a franchise around Head Coach, and quarterback. This team was projected to be another top 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But the Texans are catching a lot of people by surprise with their will to fight each week which is working out well for them. CJ Stroud is picking up exactly where he left off at Ohio St. Throwing for almost 3,000 yards, being in MVP conversations. Lastly, let’s give Demeco Ryans his credit for leading this team in 2023 to the 7 wins this season because it starts at the top. They do have a good chance to win the AFC South if they keep winning and get some help.
6th Seed: Indianapolis Colts (7-5)
The Indianapolis Colts come in as the 6th seed this week because they have drastically changed their mindset during the season. With the Johnathon Taylor drama, Anthony Richardson season ending injury, the Colts have held it together in this daunting AFC. They have found ways to stay in games and win games this season by just not giving up to anybody. Instead of letting the drama get to them they came together and played as a unit. Also, they have an outside chance to win the AFC South same the Texans.
5th Seed: Cleveland Browns (7-5)
The Cleveland Browns come in as the 5th seed this week because they simply have a defense that can keep them in games. This Cleveland defense is ranked No.1 in a lot of major defensive categories. The main recipe for winning in January is playing stout defense and getting the stop when needed. Especially against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and the Miami Dolphins. I believe that the Browns should keep Joe Flacco as their quarterback for the remainder of the season because of the experience, and his ability to not the game away for the Browns. The Browns did lose on Sunday, but they must continue to rely on this defense for a run in the postseason.
4th Seed: Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
The Jacksonville Jaguars come in as the 4th seed this week because they are the AFC South division leaders. Not only that, but they also play in a weak division that they don’t have a hand on yet. The Jaguars, on Monday night football, might have lost their quarterback for the next few weeks with an ankle sprain. If he is out for the next few games the Jaguars are going to be in a bit of trouble. They play two stout defenses in the coming weeks (@Cleveland Browns and vs Baltimore Ravens). They do have two teams behind them on this list that are just waiting for them to lose the next two games. Especially the Houston Texans. For the Jaguars, they must find the passion to play for Trevor Lawrence and win to keep their division lead.
3rd Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
The Kansas City Chiefs come in as the 3rd seed this week because the Chiefs are coming of a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers. But they are in control of their own destiny to win the 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture come January with losses by the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs did not look themselves in November. But I am still under the impression that they can turn it around in December. Also, they still are defending AFC Champs, and Super Bowl champs. So, Chiefs fans! don’t hit the panic button just yet.
2nd Seed: Miami Dolphins (9-3)
The Miami Dolphins come in as the 2nd seed this week because offensively, they are the best team in 2023. The Dolphins have answered a lot of questions coming in to the 2023 with can Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy? And can he and Tyreek Hill build a dynamic duo that will leave defenses up at night. They answered the questions easily. Tyreek Hill is on pace for a 2,000-yard season. Tua looks like he will complete a full 17 game season in 2023. Next, the Dolphins have a well-rounded enough defense that can play with anyone. Not much to say about the Dolphins. Just keep doing the things that got you here. Also, if they grab the 1st seed come January, look out because it’s going to be a tough place to play in Miami.
1st Seed: Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
The Baltimore Ravens come in as the top seed in the AFC because they are the most well-rounded team in the AFC this year. They have the defense to carry them in January. Also, they have their lead guy at quarterback in Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are a team that can beat anybody when they don’t beat themselves, which they showed they can do in their 3 losses this season. Just keep playing the same physical brand of football for the remainder of the season and they will finish as the top seed in the AFC. Not to mention, the Ravens had a bye in week 13.
