The NFL season has only seven weeks left, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. This article will examine which teams are likely to make the playoffs, are still in the hunt, or need a miracle to happen.
This article will go through all of the AFC teams' chances of making the playoffs.
About to clinch -
The Denver Broncos are currently 9-2 after defeating the Chiefs. They are sitting at the top of the AFC at the moment, while also being two games clear in their division. Denver has a real chance at being the number one seed, but if they aren't able to achieve that, expect them to win the division to clinch a playoff appearance.
The New England Patriots are set to be back in the playoffs after their 9-2 start. They also sit at the top of their division with only the Bills to challenge. The Patriots have an easier run home as well, which sets them up for the playoffs.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are second in their division, but they currently have a 7-2 record. Even with them being behind in the division, they are just about guaranteed to be in a wildcard spot if not.
Indianapolis Colts have skyrocketed to become one of the better teams in the NFL with the best offence so far. 8-2 to start the year with no expectations of them slowing down. They are on track to win the division, which would make them a playoff team.
In the hunt -
Baltimore Ravens are on their way to win the division after a 1-5 start. They are now 5-5 with their star Lamar Jackson back in the lineup. The return of the MVP should help them get to the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers are the other team in the Ravens' division. They currently sit at the top of their division, which gives them a chance to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an injury today, which doesn't help them.
Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to return to the playoffs with their 6-4 record. They currently sit in the wildcard race, which they could end up in by season's end.
Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert has currently led the Chargers to a 7-4 record, which puts them in the wildcard race. They sit right behind the Broncos in the division, but it seems their only chance to make the playoffs is through the wildcard.
Kansas City Chiefs have had a down year compared to the past, and after losing to the Broncos, they fall to 5-5, which is third in the division and just outside the wildcard hunt. You can't count out Mahomes, but right now, it will be hard to get to the playoffs.
Houston Texans are the last team in the hunt to potentially make the playoffs, but it is hard to see them make it into the playoffs. CJ Stroud is currently injured, but if they can find some consistency, they can squeeze into the wildcard.
Need a miracle
The Dolphins, Bengals, Raiders, Jets, Browns and Titans are all the teams that are really out of the hunt, with them all having losing records. They would all need a miracle to reach the wildcard round. The Bengals seem to have the best chance for that miracle to happen with them being in a weaker division, but they still need a lot to go right.
