AFC Playoff Standings, Week 17
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-6)
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
7. Denver Broncos (9-6)
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8) and Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).
The Chiefs strengthened their position for the #1 seed with a win over the Texans. The Chargers mounted an exciting comeback to beat the Broncos on Thursday Night Football. The Ravens dominated the Steelers, keeping their dream of the AFC North crown alive. The Bengals preserved their playoff dreams by holding off the Browns. The Jets came back down to earth, falling to the Rams by double digits at home.
The Colts preserved their slim playoff chances with a win over the Titans, fueled by Jonathan Taylor's explosive 200-plus yard rushing performance. The Bills managed to outlast the Patriots in an uninspiring victory. The Raiders beat the Jaguars in a game that altered the odds for the #1 overall pick. The Dolphins bolstered their faint playoff odds by defeating the 49ers.
A look at the AFC playoff odds
According to Team Rankings, the Chiefs remain the favorites to secure the AFC's #1 seed, but their odds have increased to 84.2%. The Bills are now the only other team in the race at 15.8%.
The Bills remain the favorites in the AFC to win Super Bowl LIX at 15.0%. The Chiefs are second with an 13.0% chance to win it all. Kansas City is followed by the Ravens at 8.1%, while the Steelers (2.5%), Texans (2.2%), Chargers (1.6%), and Broncos (1.1%) fall in line behind them.
Saturday offered encouraging signs for Chiefs supporters. The offense was efficient, the defense forced multiple takeaways, and the end of the game was not a circus. After taking control of the game in the second half, Houston never had a chance to tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter. If they continue to play like this, they will be a tough out in the playoffs.
Looking at the AFC's Super Bowl contenders, three teams stand out from the pack: Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore - though each carries significant flaws. The Chiefs struggle with consistency on both offense and defense. The Bills face concerns about their defense and Josh Allen's health. The Ravens' defense isn't very good and questions linger about their offense in postseason play.
Other teams, like Pittsburgh, Houston, LA Chargers, and Denver, can all win a game, but it would be surprising if one of those teams (or someone else not listed) were representing the AFC in the Super Bowl LIX.