AFC Playoff Projections as of 12/28/21

AFC DIVISION WINNERS:

BUFFALO 9-6: The Bills were 7-6 just two weeks ago and scrambling to make the playoffs. Now, they lead the division and have a favorable schedule, that includes Atlanta and the Jets at home. They have no excuse if they lose either one of those games. Winning the Division Chances: 90% Making the Playoffs: 100%

TENNESSEE 10-5: The Titans took a huge step to winning the division and making the playoffs, with their gutty 20-17 win over the 49ers. They still have the Colts breathing down their necks but they only need one more win to clinch the division. They play Miami in Nashville this week, and end the season at Houston. Winning the Division Chances: 80% Making the Playoffs: 90%

KANSAS CITY 11-4: The Chiefs seem to have it all figured out and are the most dangerous team in the entire NFL. They practically have the No.1 seed sewed up in the AFC and getting home field advantage at Arrowhead is a big deal. They finish the season with road games at Cincinnati and Denver. Winning the Division Chances: 100% Making the Playoffs: 100%

CINCINNATI 9-6: The Bengals finally got the big win we have been waiting for them to get. They are in the driver’s seat to win the division, but they have two tough games left. They have the Chiefs at home this week and a trip to Cleveland to finish the season. Winning the Division Chances: 50% Making the Playoffs: 60%

AFC WILD CARD CONTENDERS:

INDIANAPOLIS 9-6: Very few are playing better than the Colts. They went to Arizona and won a huge game over the Cardinals. They have a very slim chance left to win the AFC South, but are focused on the wild card spot. Las Vegas comes to Indianapolis this week and they close out the season at Jacksonville. Winning the Division: 20%. Making the Playoffs: 80%

NEW ENGLAND 9-6: The Patriots lost their 2nd straight last week and Buffalo knocked them out of the top spot in the AFC East. They are in a good spot to make the playoffs with one more win. They have Jacksonville at home and visit Miami against the fast-closing Dolphins. Winning the Division: 10% Making the Playoffs: 80%

LA CHARGERS 8-7: Two straight losses, one acceptable (Kansas City), one unacceptable (Houston), have greatly damaged the Charger playoff chances. They are much too good to be in this position, but they have no one to blame but themselves. They have a home game left against Denver and a contest left at Las Vegas. They need to win them both. Winning the Division Chances: 0% Making the Playoffs 50%

MIAMI 8-7: The Dolphins took advantage of a weakened New Orleans team, and won their 7th in a row to continue their unbelievable turnaround from a 1-7 start. They have to keep winning and it won’t be easy. They have a tough game at Tennessee this week and finish at home against the Patriots. Winning the Division: 0%. Making the Playoffs: 30%

BALTIMORE 8-7: They have lost four straight games and are in jeopardy of failing to make the playoffs. They have a better chance of winning the division than getting a wild card spot. They desperately need to win their two games at home against Pittsburgh and the Rams. That won’t be easy. Winning the Division: 30% Making the Playoffs 20%

LAS VEGAS 8-7: The Raiders have won two straight and knocked off Denver last week to stay alive. They have a very difficult test at Indianapolis this week and finish with the Chargers in Vegas. They have to win them both. Winning the Division 0%. Making the Playoffs: 20%

PITTSBURGH 7-7-1: They were pathetic last week at Kansas City in a 36-10 loss. It is hard seeing them having much of a chance left, but it is possible if they win their final two games. They have Cleveland on the road this week and finish at Baltimore. Winning the Division: 10% Making the Playoffs: 10%

CLEVELAND 7-8: It’s hard to believe they are still alive, but they are. They have to win both of their remaining games and have some help. They finish with the Steelers at home this week and finish the year in Cincinnati.Their best chance is to win the division, but their chances are slim. They have a home Winning the Division: 10% Making the Playoffs: 10%