NFL Power Rankings: Top 5 AFC Teams
While the power of the NFL has shifted to the NFC this season in terms of powerhouse teams, the AFC has seen the resurgence of legendary franchises and the emergence of some new blood as well. Let’s examine and rank the five best teams in the AFC with the playoffs right around the corner.
1. Denver Broncos
Although it took some time for the Broncos franchise to recover following Peyton Manning’s retirement, they’ve finally returned to form. That return is thanks in part to the latest rendition of the legendary no-fly zone Broncos defense that led Denver to its last Super Bowl victory.
This year’s Broncos team sports arguably the best defense in all of football, with many similarities being drawn to that legendary Broncos defense from a decade ago. The Broncos rank first in sacks, second in rushing yards allowed, first in opponent third-down conversion percentage, and first in touchdowns allowed.
While the inconsistent play of QB Bo Nix and the offense leaves a lot to be desired, that stout Bronco’s defense gives the franchise its best chance at adding another Super Bowl to their trophy case this season.
2. Houston Texans
Despite a slow start to the season, the Texans possess eerily similar qualities to the Broncos, which makes them a formidable opponent heading into the playoffs. Both the Broncos and Texans possess the two best defenses in the league, and an inconsistent offense to boot.
The Texans’ defense ranks first in points allowed and total yards allowed per game this season. After getting off to a 3-5 start and having their franchise QB C.J. Stroud miss several games due to a concussion, the Texans’ defense went into overdrive to save Houston’s season.
With Houston currently on a five-game winning streak and within striking distance of clinching both the division and a home playoff game, do not be surprised to see the Texans go far in the NFL Playoffs this year.
3. New England Patriots
There is perhaps no bigger surprise team in the NFL this season than the Patriots. That is thanks in part to the brilliant coaching job of newly hired Head Coach Mike Vrabel and the emergence of this season’s most talked-about player in second-year QB Drake Maye.
While Mac Jones was not the successor to Tom Brady that the Patriots needed him to be, it seems conclusive at this point that Maye is worthy enough to carry that torch and burden. The former Tar Heel currently leads the NFL in completion percentage at 71%, while also being in the top 5 in both yards and touchdowns.
The Patriots may not have the best roster compared to the other teams on this list, but the emergence of Maye could very well cover up their roster shortcomings enough to add Super Bowl number seven to the trophy case.
4. Buffalo Bills
With teams like the Chiefs and Bengals out of the playoff picture, this season is the perfect chance for the Bills to finally get over the hump and make their first Super Bowl in 30 years. This, combined with having reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen playing the best ball of his career, sets up a dream season fans have been waiting all their lives for.
The only thing that could prevent the Bills from hoisting the Lombardi trophy in February is their defense. While the Bills have one of the better pass defenses in the league, they’ve also struggled to generate turnovers and points per game allowed. The Bills rank in the middle of the pack in both categories.
There is a silver lining for the Bills, as Buffalo has consistently been a tough out at home in the playoffs. The Bills are 7-2 at home in the postseason under Head Coach Sean McDermott. The key for the Bills may not lie in the defense suddenly flipping a switch, but in lucking into having home-field advantage come playoff time.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
For a franchise that seemingly had a broken team with a broken QB in Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars have had a fairly underrated season. That’s thanks in part to newly hired Head Coach Liam Coen, who has been able to fix a plethora of issues that the Jaguars had on offense before his arrival.
The first issue that Coen fixed that has given the Jaguars a far better kick on offense has been the rejuvenation of the run game. The Jaguars have the 8th-ranked rushing attack, with Travis Etienne Jr. leading the way with 917 yards and 7 touchdowns in a career year.
The Jaguars have also done a great job at stalling other teams’ rushing attacks, ranking first in rushing yards allowed per game this season. While the question marks still linger surrounding Lawrence and his capabilities at leading the offense effectively, the Jaguars still sit in a good spot both this season and for seasons to come.
