AFC power rankings: Patriots reign supreme

16. Cleveland Browns

The Browns are not going to win a game this season. They are playing a tough schedule the rest of the year. Maybe their only hope is beating the Bengals at home, who are all kinds of injured and sad.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville was supposed to be a threat in the AFC South. Hell, some people were talking about the Jaguars as a possible AFC contender. As it turns out, they are horrendous and about to fire up the coaching search.

14. New York Jets

It’s been a brutal season for the Jets. After going 10-6 in 2015, New York has completely crashed back into the ground. Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing horribly and perhaps bad enough to get Todd Bowles fired.

13. Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis has been at the helm since 2003. At some point, he had to win a playoff game to stay in the position. Since that won’t be happening – again – he needs to go.

12. Indianapolis Colts

Without Andrew Luck in the fold this week and perhaps into the future, the Colts are sunk. Let’s be real; Scott Tolzien isn’t winning anything, anywhere, but especially with this lackluster team.

11. Tennessee Titans

This is a team on the rise. Marcus Mariota has 23 touchdown passes and DeMarco Murray looks like his 2014 self. If the defense can get rolling, this is a quality franchise again.

10. Houston Texans

I don’t care that the Texans are 6-4 and leading their division, this team doesn’t move any higher until Brock Osweiler looks like a starting NFL quarterback. Houston is going to get crushed in the playoffs.

9. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have a decent defense, but the offense is a total mess. It will be tough to navigate the remaining schedule for a playoff spot.

8. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is decent, but not good enough to reach the playoffs. Tack another year onto the drought.

7. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are a very good team, but they are 4-6 because they play in the AFC West and can’t finish in the fourth.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

If the Steelers get into the playoffs, they are going to be very dangerous. The defense stinks, but the offense is outrageous when healthy.

5. Miami Dolphins

After winning five straight games, the Dolphins are 6-4 and knocking on the playoff door. If Ryan Tannehill and Jay Ajayi can keep it up, Miami is going to be in the hunt.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

After losing to the Buccaneers at home, the Chiefs drop two spots. Still, this is a very good team. If Kansas City beats Denver in what is a toss-up game Sunday night, it’s in great shape.

3. Denver Broncos

Denver is coming off the bye, completely healthy, at home against the Chiefs in primetime. Kansas City is all banged up. The Broncos couldn’t ask for a better spot.

2. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are living on the edge almost every week, but they continue to win. Oakland has another tough test this week at home against Carolina. Ultimately, 8-2 is exactly that.

1. New England Patriots

Tom Brady. Bill Belichick. Dynasty.