2017 NFL playoff standings: Chiefs still control their own destiny after loss
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs still rank No. 4 overall in this week’s playoff standings in the AFC despite losing five of their last six games.
Losing to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was a major hit for the Kansas City Chiefs. Not only did it further their current losing streak, a six-game stretch in which Andy Reid’s team has lost five of their last six games, but it also seriously affected the NFL playoff picture in the AFC.
The Chiefs are now tied with the Bills in terms of overall record at 6-5. Given that the Chiefs are currently in the division lead in the AFC West, the Chiefs are No. 4 in the AFC. That said, they are now only one game over the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland Raiders, and the Chiefs will play both of those teams in the next few weeks.
The loss to the Bills means that if the Chiefs were to slip out of the lead in the AFC West they would be contending for one of two wild card spots in the conference. The first would, at this point, belong to either the Tennessee Titans or the Jacksonville Jaguars. The latter would be a battle between the 6-5 clubs.
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With a win, Buffalo cemented their lock over the Chiefs in case it comes down to a head-to-head record. In a race this tight, the Chiefs are going to need every potential advantage over their opponents, but week after week, they keep giving such angles away.
Here’s a closer look at the complete AFC playoff picture:
- New England Patriots
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tennessee Titans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Buffalo Bills
Outside looking in:
- Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
- L.A. Chargers (5-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
Oakland Raiders (5-6) - Houston Texans (4-6)