AFC playoff picture: Chiefs movin’ on up

After beating the Carolina Panthers in miraculous fashion on Sunday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs climbed the ladder in the AFC playoff picture.

While we still have Monday night’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants to settle before completely moving past Week 10, it’s time to look at where the Chiefs stand. A few things have been clear to this juncture, before we even talk about seedings; the AFC West is great, and Kansas City are going to make us sweat every week.

After nine games, the Chiefs are 7-2 after beating Carolina. It was the second 17-point comeback of the season, with the first coming in Week 1 against the San Diego Chargers. Kansas City was able to gain on the idle Oakland Raiders, who also have a pair of losses.

Here is what the AFC playoff picture looks like at this second:

1. New England Patriots (7-2)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)
3. Houston Texans (6-3)
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-4)
5. Oakland Raiders (7-2)
6. Denver Broncos (7-3)
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7. Miami Dolphins (5-4)
8. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-5)
10. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
11. Buffalo Bills (4-5)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1)

Alright, so here’s the crux. Anybody sitting on the outside of the playoff picture will not make the postseason unless they win the division. The AFC West is going to send three teams, leaving only the division title slots for the East, North and South.

The Chiefs are behind the Patriots via the conference record tiebreaker, while Kansas City is bettering the Raiders due to its Week 6 win over Oakland. If everything holds, the Chiefs would have a bye week and then home field advantage in the Divisional round.

If the Chiefs can get to 12 wins, they are going to be the No. 2 seed at minimum. If Kansas City can win its four home games and beat either the Chargers, Broncos or Falcons, the following scenarios would need to happen for the Chiefs NOT to get a bye week…

• Raiders win out (other than KC game)
• Ravens win out
• Texans go 6-1 or better

Other than that, the Chiefs have a top-two seed. I like their chances.