Tight Race For The Final Wildcard Spots In The AFC

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Congested AFC Playoff Race

As of week 14, only two teams are out of playoff contention: the Carolina Panthers (1-12) and the New England Patriots (3-10). Besides those two teams, most of the teams in the NFL still have a decent shot at fighting for a playoff spot. We see one of the most crowded playoff standings in the AFC ever. Six teams in the AFC have an identical record of (7-6), including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Buffalo Bills. If the season ended today, the Steelers and the Colts would clinch the final two playoff spots due to tiebreakers. However, there are still a lot of games to be played. Here is how each team favors.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are one of the best stories in the NFL. After beginning the season with a brutal record of 1-5, they find themselves in the mix for a wildcard spot with a 7-6 record. The Broncos have won six of their last seven games. After being blown out by the Dolphins by 50 points, the defense of the Broncos has resurged. In the last seven games, their opponents have

been held to 109 points combined. That’s an average of 15.57 points per game allowed. The Broncos upcoming schedule is in their favor as they face one team above .500 (Detroit Lions) in their final four games.

Houston Texans

After dropping a cruel game against the Jets the past Sunday, the Houston Texans look to get back on track against the Titans. The season of the Texans has been a ride on the shoulders of likely-to-be rookie of the year CJ Stroud. The 22-year-old has been sensational for a rookie. He has joined Ben Roethlisberger and Y.A. Tittle as the only quarterbacks to pass for over 470 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in a game. So, how do the Texans favor in their final four games? The Texans have a rough outing as 3 of the four games are divisional foes, including the Colts, who currently hold the last wildcard spot. Also, a meeting against the Browns will not be easy.

Cincinnati Bengals

After Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury, many people counted on the Bengals to be out of the playoffs. However, the Bengals are a pesky team that will not go away. Since Burrow’s injury, the Bengals have a record of 2-1, and the two victories come against potential playoff teams (Colts and Jaguars). 2nd String QB Jake Browning has held his own. The former undrafted quarterback has passed for five touchdowns, rushed for two touchdowns, and has only thrown for two interceptions since Burrow went down. The Bengals are currently on a two-game winning streak and look to make a playoff push. Their final opponents include the Vikings, the Chiefs, the Steelers, and the Browns—a rough stretch, as all opponents are above .500.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills. The team has come close to making it to the Superbowl the last couple of seasons. The Bills season rides and dies on quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills have a phenomenal defense, but Allen holds the key to the car. Allen has been up and down all season long. He’s a daredevil quarterback who believes he can make any throw. Unfortunately, a lot of those throws have resulted in interceptions. Allen currently leads all quarterbacks with 14 interceptions. After a shaky start to the season, it looks like the Bills may have found their grove. Their last four opponents are a mix of mediocre and excellent. Their most formidable challenge comes against likely MVP Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. They also pay a trip to Miami to clash with the Dolphins in the season’s final week. In the last four games, Josh Allen must be Superman and hold back his risky throws to give the Bills a chance at a wildcard.

So, Who’s In?

Suppose we’re looking at the remaining strength of schedule and team trajectory. It’s favorable to put your money on the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts to clinch the final two wildcard spots. The Broncos are white-hot right now and have a favorable remaining schedule. The Colts have won 4 out of their last five games and face a struggling Steelers and Texans team with a banged-up quarterback as their final strongest opponent.