2017 NFL Playoff Power Rankings: How the AFC Stacks Up: The NFL playoffs are fast approaching, and while there is always parity in the NFL, there are also a few familiar faces lurking in the AFC. The conference in general is shaping up to be much more top heavy than the NFC, and with that in mind, here is how I see all six AFC playoff teams stacking up heading into the postseason.
2017 NFL Playoff Power Rankings: How the AFC Stacks Up
- New England Patriots
The Patriots aren’t overflowing with playmakers, but with a razor-sharp Tom Brady under center and one of the best coaches in league history leading the way, they still steamrolled the rest of the AFC. In fact, New England’s 14-2 record was the best in the entire NFL, and the Patriots went 11-1 following Brady’s return from suspension. They can spread teams out with their quick passing attack, and they can pound the ball on the ground when needed. Armed with home-field advantage and an all-around solid roster, the Patriots are the safest bet to reach the Super Bowl.
- Kansas City Chiefs
Don’t sleep on the Chiefs. The defense is loaded with playmakers at all levels, and Kansas City actually led the NFL in non-offensive touchdowns this year. Yes, there are question marks on offense, mainly involving the limitations of quarterback Alex Smith, but this team has weapons. Travis Kelce might be the best tight end in football, Jeremy Maclin is finally healthy, and speedster Tyreek Hill is always one touch away from a game-breaking play. Not to mention that their path through the postseason includes a bye and at least one home game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s hard to believe, but the Steelers have never played a postseason game with Ben the trio of Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell on the field at the same time. That will change this year, and Pittsburgh’s offense is one of the best in the business when it’s firing on all cylinders. Roethlisberger in particular has been on a different level when he plays at Heinz Field. An argument can be made for Pittsburgh to be ranked in the No. 2 spot, but the defense is a legit concern. Plus, I don’t think the road woes should be ignored.
- Houston Texans
If I were ranking the six AFC playoff teams at full strength in a vacuum, the Texans would probably be last out of the six. However, the Texans are at home against the banged-up Oakland Raiders in the first round, so by default, they have a better shot at advancing than some of the other teams. Brock Osweiler’s poor quarterback play severely limits the ceiling of this offense and this team in general, but the defense is one of the better units in the league and running back Lamar Miller should be rested and ready to carry the offense.
- Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been one of the surprise teams this year. They found a solid running game behind Jay Ajayi, and the defensive front, led by Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, is finally playing up to its potential. However, losing starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill isn’t ideal, and going on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wild-Card weekend makes a one-and-done scenario the most likely outcome for Miami. I think the Dolphins would beat both the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders, but unfortunately for Miami, the Steelers are on tap.
- Oakland Raiders
You have to feel bad for the Raiders. A couple of weeks ago they appeared to have the AFC West title and a first-round bye locked up. Instead, they lost starting quarterback Derek Carr, backup quarterback Matt McGloin, the division crown and a bye in the matter of a couple weeks. Talk about a punch in the gut. Now, Oakland opens the playoffs on the road with third-string quarterback Connor Cook under center. The Raiders have some other good pieces, but multiple injuries to the quarterback spot right before the playoffs is too much for any team to overcome.
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