Just 10 months ago, we saw the Chiefs take down the Bills in the playoffs once again to return to their 5th Super Bowl in 6 years. There was no doubt about it, the Chiefs were in the midst of one of the great NFL dynasties.
Fast forward to today, and the Chiefs are now officially out of playoff contention for the first time in over a decade, and Patrick Mahomes is out for the year with a torn ACL. The door is wide open for a new team to come out of the AFC this year.
Now let’s look at the Eagles, who dominated their way through the playoffs last year, and carried over one of the best rosters in the NFL to this year. Yet for a team with hopes of returning to the Super Bowl, they have shown huge weaknesses that may be too much to overcome this year.
So, with the certainty that we will not have another Eagles – Chiefs rematch this year, it’s time to break down which teams have the best shot of winning it all.
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks went into this year with Sam Darnold taking over at the helm, and JSN looking to continue his upward progression in the NFL. Mike MacDonald was heading into his second year, and had already shown that he is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league.
With all these things in mind, it would still be hard to believe just how good this team has been this year.
Seattle is now heading into a week 16 matchup against the Rams with a 11-3 record, and controlling their own destiny to win the division. If they can win the division, it will be hard for any team to travel into Seattle in the playoffs. And even if they have to travel on the road, their defense can travel anywhere, and slow down any offense.
The one big question mark that remains is how Sam Darnold will be able to perform down the stretch. His playoff game against the Rams last year may have caused him not to get another contract with the Vikings. And over the stretch run, there has certainly been times where his play has looked subpar. Even with a dominant defense and potential home-field advantage, Darnold will need to make crucial plays in order for this team to have a chance of winning it all.
4. New England Patriots
The Patriots have had an amazing season, especially when you take into account where this team has been since Brady left. Coming off a 4-13 season which saw their head coach get fired, the Pats headed into the offseason looking to take a step forward, and signed Vrabel to be their head coach.
Now, the Patriots are sitting at 11-3, atop the AFC East, and in the hunt for the #1 seed in the AFC. That alone would’ve been considered a hugely successful season going into the year, but this team has Super Bowl aspirations.
If New England can win the AFC East and snatch the #1 seed from the Broncos, they would be just two home playoff wins from making the Super Bowl. You can debate how much their schedule has contribute to their record, but the Pats are set up perfectly for a big playoff run.
There’s just one other team in their way, even if they can take the AFC East from them…
3. Buffalo Bills
Is this finally the Bills year? Now, there is a very real chance they may have to play 3 road playoff games to make the Super Bowl, but it’s fair to say this path may be easier for them than having to face the Chiefs in January again. The Chiefs have been their kryptonite, and even in seasons where they looked like the best team in the NFL, they haven’t been able to knock them out of the playoffs.
Now they won’t have to worry about that.
Over the stretch, Josh Allen has shown exactly why he was the MVP last year. Coming off a huge comeback win against the Pats, the Bills seem primed to make that push for the Super Bowl they have so longly waited for.
2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos just continue to find ways to win. They are in the midst of an 11 game win streak, and are poised to capture the AFC West crown for the first time in over a decade. Better yet, they are looking to secure the #1 seed in the AFC, and clinch a first round playoff bye.
The possibility of the road to the Super Bowl travelling through Mile High is a scary sight for any team in the AFC. With a dominant defense led by stars all across the field, and Bo Nix leading the offense, this Broncos team is legit, and has a very real shot at winning it all.
Not to forget, they have a Super Bowl winning head coach in Sean Payton, who has immense playoff experience. Good luck to any team that has to travel to Denver to face them.
But, there’s one team that could be standing in their way if they make it to the big game…
1. Los Angeles Rams
Talks of Matthew Stafford being traded this past offseason just seem ridiculous now. Then there were the talks that Stafford was injured and unable to throw a football throughout training camp. Fast forward to today, and at the age of 37, Stafford looks on track to secure his first NFL MVP.
It helps when Stafford is throwing to guys like Nacua and Adams, who look like the top receiving core in the NFL, and are led by offensive guru Sean McVay. This offense is dangerous, and no team has shown that they’re able to slow them down.
Now combine them with one of the top defenses in the NFL, it’ll be challenging for any team to knock this Rams team out come January. There isn’t much else to say, this team has looked like the class of the NFL this season.
