NFL Standings, Week 8: Chiefs create some breathing room in the AFC

The Kansas City Chiefs stand alone as the NFL's last undefeated team following the Minnesota Vikings' first loss of the season. Fresh off their bye week, Kansas City traveled to Santa Clara and dealt the 49ers another defeat.

While Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions in another inconsistent showing, neither turnover proved costly. The Chiefs demonstrated their resilience, converting four of five red zone opportunities and posting a season-best 28 points.

After the seventh week of the 2024-25 NFL season, which teams are in solid playoff contention and which teams should start planning for the 2025 season?

Let's take a look at the standings in the AFC through seven weeks.

AFC West standings, Week 8

1. Chiefs (6-0)

2. Broncos (4-3)

3. Chargers (3-3)

4. Raiders (2-5)

AFC East standings, Week 8

1. Bills (5-2)

2. Dolphins (2-4)

3. Jets (2-5)

4. Patriots (1-6)

AFC North standings, Week 8

1. Ravens (5-2)

2. Steelers (5-2)

3. Bengals (3-4)

4. Browns (1-6)

AFC South standings, Week 8

1. Texans (5-2)

2. Colts (4-3)

3. Jaguars (2-5)

4. Titans (1-5)

A review of Week 7 in the AFC

The Broncos dominated the Saints in a commanding Thursday Night Football win. Across the Atlantic, the Jaguars dismantled the Patriots in their London showdown. The Colts prevailed over the Dolphins in a game plagued by inconsistent quarterback performance. The Bills, after weathering early offensive woes, steamrolled the Titans for a convincing victory. In a physical AFC North battle, the Bengals edged past the Browns, who lost Deshaun Watson to injury. Green Bay secured a thrilling victory over the Texans with a walk-off field goal.

Kansas City's defense stole the show against San Francisco, picking off Purdy three times as the Chiefs continued their mastery over the 49ers. Minshew's nightmare outing in Las Vegas, marked by three interceptions, sealed the Raiders' fate against the Rams. The Steelers put a damper on Adams' much-anticipated Jets debut on Sunday Night Football. Baltimore cruised past the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, while in Arizona, the Chargers squandered a masterful performance from Justin Herbert, failing to find the end zone and falling on a last-second field goal.

The Broncos' stellar performance suggests they could contend for a Wild Card spot. Jacksonville's crucial victory comes as New England appears destined for a high draft pick. The Colts continue to see underwhelming results from Anthony Richardson, while Miami's offense desperately awaits Tua Tagovailoa's return.

Though Buffalo keeps winning, their recurring offensive sluggishness could prove costly in a crucial moment. Meanwhile, Tennessee seems poised for a draft-focused future. Cincinnati's defense has found its rhythm with back-to-back strong showings, as Cleveland's playoff hopes fade with their latest setback. For Houston, the game marked an unusual off-day for the typically impressive C.J. Stroud.

With Patrick Mahomes still finding his rhythm, the Chiefs must lean on their defensive prowess. Next up, they face a spiraling Raiders team. In New York, Davante Adams hasn't proven to be the Jets' cure-all, while Russell Wilson has seemingly locked down the starting quarterback role in Pittsburgh. Lamar Jackson's stellar primetime showing has launched him to the front of the MVP race. As for the Chargers, their offensive scoring woes threaten to derail their playoff aspirations.

An early look at AFC playoff positioning

According to Team Rankings, the Chiefs remain the favorites to secure the AFC's #1 seed with a 61.4% chance. Following them are the Bills at 12.8%, while the Ravens (9.3%), Steelers (7.2%), and Texans (6.7%) are next.

The Chiefs remain the AFC leaders in Super Bowl LIX odds with a 19.5% chance to win it all, followed by the Bills at 10.2% and Ravens at 9.1%. Other top contenders include the Steelers (5.2%) and Texans (3.8%).

The Kansas City Chiefs reign supreme in the AFC, not through flash but through effectiveness. Their credentials are undeniable: top record, elite coaching from Andy Reid, the conference's strongest defense, and Patrick Mahomes who, despite recent struggles, remains the NFL's premier quarterback.

Despite some challenges—including Patrick Mahomes' performance and uncertainties in the wide receiver corps—the Chiefs are well-positioned to secure the AFC's #1 seed. Their 6-0 record is especially impressive considering their offensive struggles and having already faced three of their toughest opponents (Ravens, Bengals, and 49ers).

While the season is far from over, only a major collapse would prevent Kansas City from claiming the AFC West title. If they avoid the late-season struggles that plagued them last year, the top seed should be theirs. At the bye week, they led all AFC teams by one game. That lead has now grown to two games over their closest conference rival.