1. Chiefs 11-1 • 1st AFC West
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Kansas City held on for a win over Las Vegas on Black Friday. Four of the Chiefs’ final five opponents are playoff-bound.
2. BILLS 10-2 • 1st AFC East
Bills quarterback Josh Allen runs into the end zone for a touchdown during second half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024.
Buffalo is 10-2 and the biggest threat to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes in the AFC. The Bills will face the Patriots twice down the stretch, with the Jets, Rams, and Lions mixed in.
3. STEELERS 9-3 • 1st AFC North
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh looks like a legit AFC threat after a 44-38 win over the Bengals. The Steelers will face the Browns in Week 14 before a three-game gauntlet that includes the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs over ten days before finishing with Cincinnati.
4. TEXANS 8-5 • 1st AFC South
Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Houston is 3-3 in its last six games, but it is riding some momentum created by the win over Jacksonville. The Texans are on a bye this week but will finish with the Dolphins, Chiefs, Ravens, and Titans.
5. CHARGERS 8-4 • 2nd AFC West
Dec 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jim Harbaugh’s team bounced back from losing to the Ravens by defeating the Falcons in Atlanta. Thanks to the Chiefs’ massive lead in the AFC West, the Chargers can rise no higher than the No. 5 seed and will finish with games against the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Broncos, Patriots, and Raiders.
6. RAVENS 8-5 • 2nd AFC North
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches s pass for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Baltimore lost to a really good Philadelphia team but looks prime for a playoff spot. If they don’t catch the Steelers, they can rise no higher than the No. 5 seed, and any hopes at the top seed have evaporated. The Ravens are on a Week 14 bye but will finish with the Giants, Steelers, Texans, and Browns.
7. BRONCOS 8-5 • 3rd AFC West
Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles with the ball ahead of offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver is third in a loaded AFC West and the seventh seed after a 41-32 win over the Browns on Monday night. Sean Payton’s team is on a bye this week and will finish with the Colts, Chargers, and Bengals and a huge season finale against the Chiefs.
Best of the rest
The NFL logo is seen on Jan. 31, 2023, on the field for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Syndication Arizona Republic
COLTS 6-7 • 2nd AFC South
DOLPHINS 5-7 • 2nd AFC East
BENGALS 4-8 • 3rd AFC North
