This is One Extremely Tight AFC Playoff Race

The NFL playoff race this season is officially on, and the AFC is looking as close as ever. As the season-end creeps closer, there are multiple teams in the hot-seat and lots of very important match ups in the coming weeks. Just about every AFC division is up for grabs, and it all depends on how these AFC teams preform on the field the next three weeks.

Let’s start with the AFC East. The current standings (just before week 16) have the Patriots leading with a record of 9-5 and the Bills in second with an 8-6 record. One of these two teams is going to win the division, and they are facing off in Gillette Stadium on December 26, 2021. This game is a major factor for the playoff picture, and it’s a game you won’t want to miss.

The AFC North is undoubtedly the tightest NFL playoff-race this season. The Bengals and Ravens are tied for first in the division with 8-6 records, while the Steelers and Browns trail with 7-6-1 and 7-7 records respectively. The Ravens and the Bengals are also facing off in week 16, which will certainly be a thrilling match up as both teams compete for a spot in the playoffs. Also in week 16, the Steelers will have a chance to ruin the Chiefs 10-4 record and the Browns will face off with the 11-3 Packers as well. The Browns and Steelers will also match up during week 17.

The 9-5 Titans are currently sitting in first place in the AFC South, but the 8-6 Colts are closely trailing behind them. The Titans face off against the 49ers, who are a solid 8-6 team sitting in third in the overachieving NFC West, and the Colts will play against the Cardinals (who have looked very solid this season, but also horrible).

The AFC West has a strong leader with the Kansas City Chiefs (10-4), but the Chargers are another excellent 8-6 team in the NFL this season. The playoff picture for the AFC this season could flip-flop within an instant, so make sure you don’t miss any key divisional games during weeks 16, 17 and 18.