In their quest for a three-peat, the Kansas City Chiefs finished their September slate strong.
In an AFC West showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, Kansas City played extremely well in the last three quarters. However, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, as Patrick Mahomes had another shaky start, and Rashee Rice suffered a concerning knee injury. Meanwhile, the Chiefs rivals are sticking close as the AFC West has no team under .500.
After the fourth week of the 2024-25 NFL season, which teams have put themselves in a solid position to make the playoffs, and which teams are beginning to fall behind?
AFC West standings, Week 5
1. Chiefs (4-0)
2. Chargers (2-2)
3. Raiders (2-2)
4. Broncos (2-2)
AFC East standings, Week 5
1. Bills (3-1)
2. Jets (2-2)
3. Patriots (1-3)
4. Dolphins (1-3)
AFC North standings, Week 5
1. Steelers (3-1)
2. Ravens (2-2)
3. Browns (1-3)
4. Bengals (1-3)
AFC South standings, Week 5
1. Texans (3-1)
2. Colts (2-2)
3. Titans (1-3)
4. Jaguars (0-4)
A review of Week 4 in the AFC
The Texans completed a comeback win over the Jaguars with a last-minute touchdown pass by C.J. Stroud. The Colts, led by Joe Flacco, handed the Steelers their first loss of the season. The Broncos upset the Jets in a game marred by poor play. The Bengals earned their first win of the season against the Panthers.
The Chiefs experienced the textbook definition of an ugly win over the Chargers. The Raiders escaped the Browns after a clutch 4th down stop late in the game. The Patriots were beaten handily by the 49ers. The Ravens dominated the Bills on Sunday Night Football. The Titans earned their first win of the season over the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
The Jaguars' playoff hopes are in jeopardy, while the Texans must address their penalty issues. Joe Flacco might give the Colts a better chance to contend, while Justin Fields played well enough to retain the Steelers' starting QB job, despite the loss. Despite the win, the Broncos aren't a serious playoff contender, and the Jets' offense didn't look championship-caliber. The Bengals appeared to have gotten back on track with a victory, but was it a product of playing a poor opponent?
The Chiefs may have won, but the loss of Rashee Rice could have significant consequences later in the season, while the Chargers need to regain their health before falling too far behind in the playoff race. Deshaun Watson may have performed well, but the Browns risk losing control of their season, while the Raiders still don't appear to be genuine playoff contenders.
Drake Maye might start for the Patriots sooner rather than later. The Ravens seem to have found their offensive rhythm, while the Bills' defensive injuries may be taking their toll. Mike McDaniel is facing challenges without Tua Tagovailoa, while Mason Rudolph made a case for becoming Tennessee's starting quarterback going forward.
An early look at AFC playoff positioning
According to Team Rankings, the Chiefs are now favored to secure the AFC's #1 seed with a 46.2% chance. The Bills follow at 20.7%, while the Steelers and Ravens are next at 9.1% and 8.4%, respectively. The Texans have a 4.9% chance and the Jets stand at 3.8%.
The Chiefs lead the AFC in Super Bowl LIX odds with a 16.6% chance, followed by the Bills at 11.0%. Other top contenders include the Ravens (8.7%), Steelers (4.4%), Jets (2.9%), and Texans (2.5%).
While the Chiefs are 4-0, it doesn't feel like a dominant start. Patrick Mahomes isn't playing his best football, receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown are both likely out long-term with injuries, and the left tackle situation remains a question mark. However, their defense is still elite, Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are showing promise, and players like Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu are set to return from injury soon.
As the only remaining unbeaten team in the AFC, the Chiefs have the inside track for the #1 seed. They cannot afford to waste this opportunity.