Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) AFC West
The Chiefs are now riding a five-game win streak since their last loss in week 7 against now 8-3 Bills, who own the tiebreaker. In week 12, they took down the injury-plagued LA Rams 26-10 to remain the top seed in the AFC. As we advance, the Chiefs control their destiny as they have been the most consistently dominant team in the NFL, led by MVP frontrunner Patrick Mahomes.
KC Remaining Schedule: CIN, DEN, HOU, SEA, DEN, LV
Miami Dolphins (8-3) AFC East
The AFC East has proven to be the NFL’s most competitive division, and it’s setting up to be a thrilling final six weeks to see who manages to finish up top. Dolphins and Bills both have 8-3 records, but the Dolphins currently own the tiebreaker. In week 15, these two teams are set to face off in Buffalo. This important matchup could determine who finishes up top.
It is also important to note that the Dolphins are currently undefeated when star QB Tua Tagovailoa starts and finishes the game (8-0).
MIA Remaining Schedule: SF, LAC, BUF, GB, NE, NYJ
Tennessee Titans (7-4) AFC South
Titans are the only team in the AFC South with an above .500 record, so it’s safe to assume they will be a playoff team in 2022. However, they are coming off a tough loss to the Bengals 20-16. They are currently sitting at the 3rd spot over the Ravens due to their 5-3 record in the conference, while the Ravens have a 4-3 conference record.
Titans look to keep up their winning ways by continuing to feature the NFL’sNFL’s most dominant running back, Derrick Henry, who is currently averaging 95.3 yards per game on the ground.
TEN Remaining Schedule: PHI, JAX, LAC, HOU, DAL, JAX
Baltimore Ravens (7-4) AFC North
Baltimore has been a team with lots of ups and downs throughout the year but will need to be far more consistent moving forward, as the Bengals are only sitting a half-game back for the division lead. In week 5, the Ravens took down the Bengals 19-17, and heading into week 18 these heated rivals are set to face off once again. If both teams continue on their current trajectory, we are setting up for an exciting winner takes all game.
It will be fascinating to see how the Ravens respond after a heartbreaking loss to the Jaguars, where the Ravens gave up a touchdown and two-point conversion in the final 20 seconds to go down 28-27.
Remaining Schedule: DEN, PIT, CLE, ATL, PIT, CIN
Wild Card
Buffalo Bills (8-3) AFC East
To many people’s surprise, the Bills are currently in a wild card spot. But that could quickly change as they are only a half-game back from skyrocketing into the number two seed. The Bills hit a lull going 2-2 in the last four games, all while being decimated by injuries to key guys on both sides of the ball. Josh Allen (Elbow), Jordan Poyer (Elbow), Tremaine Edmunds (Hamstring), and possibly losing Von Miller for the season with a knee injury.
All that being said, they are getting healthy as they get ready to face all three AFC east teams in the next three weeks. They currently have an 0-2 record within the division, which must change if they want to finish up top of the AFC East.
Remaining Schedule: NE, NYJ, MIA, CHI, CIN, NE
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) AFC North
After a relatively shaky start to their season, the Bengals have steadied the ship with a three-game winning streak. They are currently only a half-game behind the Ravens for the division lead. But moving forward, their final six games won’t come easy. They now have the 4th hardest strength of schedule remaining.
As they buckle up for the final stretch, they are getting back star WR Ja’marr Chase who missed the last four weeks with a hip injury and running back Joe Mixon, who missed last week with a concussion.
Remaining Schedule: KC, CLE, TB, NE, BUF, BAL
New York Jets (7-4) AFC East
The Jets have already surpassed expectations this year, as Vegas had them at 5.5 wins. But internally, they had visions of much more.
They are currently trying to end their 12-year playoff drought but are in an exciting position heading into the final six games. Currently, the Jets are only one game back of the Dolphins and Bills for first place in the AFC East. Also, as it stands, they hold the tiebreaker against both teams. So with a game against the Bills coming up in week 14 and a game against the Dolphins in week 18, it isn’t out of the picture that they end up, up top.
But they are in a pinch because they have lost to three teams (CIN, BAL, NE) who will all be in the mix for a wild card spot. Therefore, creating a scenario where they miss the playoffs due to tiebreakers.
Moving forward, the Jets have the 5th hardest strength of schedule in their final six games, so it won’t get any easier. The Jets best bet is to continue winning and hope the Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers falter down the stretch.
Remaining Schedule: MIN, BUF, DET, JAX, SEA, MIA
In the Hunt
Chargers (6-5)
Patriots (6-5)
Colts (4-7-1)
