The AFC is taking shape as the regular season winds down. In the coming weeks, playoff-clinching scenarios are going to develop. The Broncos are going to have one of those soon, but because the LA Chargers beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, Denver will have to wait another week to win the AFC West.
As of now, there is a path for the Broncos to make a playoff run to the Super Bowl, especially if they get the first overall seed. Denver finishes up with three of their final four games at home against the Jaguars, Packers, and Chargers.
They visit the chiefs on Christmas Day. Let's power rank the AFC and see where the Broncos stand following Week 14.
Updated AFC power rankings following Week 14 action
16. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders might end up blowing things up again after just doing so last offseason. This franchise continues to circle the drain and do nothing right.
15. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward has shown flashes this year of being a legitimate QB in this league, but until the Tennessee Titans surround him with better players, that potential will never be realized. This could be the worst roster in the NFL.
14. New York Jets
The New York Jets are building for the future and have a ton of draft capital in 2026 and 2027, so if GM Darren Mougey hits on those picks, the Jets are going to be in business quicker than you think.
13. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are likely going to see Myles Garrett breaking the single-season sack record in the coming weeks. I guess that has to be good for something?
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Losing to the Buffalo Bills may have been the dagger for the Bengals, who need a ton to go their way and could legitimately still make the playoffs with a losing record.
11. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a broken team and really don't deserve to get into the playoffs. Lamar Jackson looks like he's never played football before, and it's just turning into a year to forget for the Ravens.
10. Indianapolis Colts
With Daniel Jones out for the year with a torn Achilles, the Indianapolis Colts might not make the playoffs this year, and it's hard to believe how far this team has fallen after an amazing 7-1 start earlier this year.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are 6-7 on the season and now definitely have to win out to earn a playoff spot this year, but for the first time since 2015, they will not win the AFC West. It will be the Denver Broncos or Los Angeles Chargers winning the division.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 and are now 7-6 on the season. They're first in the AFC North and in line to host a playoff game this year.
7. Miami Dolphins
All of a sudden, the Miami Dolphins are 6-7. It's crazy to think that they've been able to go on this winning streak, but for the time being, they are still alive for the playoffs in the AFC.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
A sloppy win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14 gets the LA Chargers to 9-4 and keeps them alive for the AFC West title. The Chargers don't have great depth, and the top-end roster talent isn't that special, so LA is likely going to settle into a Wild Card spot.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are now first in the AFC South after beating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14. Jacksonville has to be able to fend off the surging Houston Texans, who do have a better QB and more roster talent. The AFC South race is going to be very interesting down the stretch.
4. Buffalo Bills
A high-scoring win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14 gets the Buffalo Bills to 9-4, but their chances at the AFC East title this year feel slim. Losing to the Patriots again and getting swept by them would end the division race.
3. Houston Texans
Now 8-2 over their past 10 games, the Houston Texans are hitting their stride, and the defense is just excellent. With CJ Stroud back in the lineup and healthy, the Texans could end up making a playoff run this year, as their top-tier defense has been good all season. This team is better than the 8-5 record indicates.
2. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are one of two teams with a 10-game winning streak. The Patriots play the Buffalo Bills in a massive game in Week 15, and that result could end up deciding the AFC East division. New England is definitely playing with house money a bit, though. The overall roster talent is solid but not overwhelming, and second-year breakout QB Drake Maye has been sacked a lot, but 11-2 is 11-2.
1. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are the best and most complete team in the AFC right now. Winners of 10 in a row, Denver is atop the AFC and is in position to earn that coveted first-round by and homefield advantage. Bo Nix has played efficient football since the Broncos' mini-bye, and there really isn't much that this team can't do.