AFC playoff picture, Week 14: Patriots, Chiefs play huge game

Unlike the NFC, the AFC playoff picture is still in significant flux. None of the seeds are even remotely decided, while five or six teams have a legitimate shot at getting in as a wild card.

Here’s the AFC playoff picture as we enter Week 14:

1. Baltimore Ravens (10-2)
2. New England Patriots (10-2)
3. Houston Texans (8-4)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
5. Buffalo Bills (9-3)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
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7. Tennessee Titans (7-5)
8. Oakland Raiders (6-6)
9. Indianapolis Colts (6-6)
10. Cleveland Browns (5-7)

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Without question, the biggest game of the weekend has the Patriots hosting the Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. New England is trying to bounce back after being handed its second loss by the Texans on Sunday night. Tom Brady and the offense have struggled throughout the season, but the defense has more than made up for the issues.

Now, the Chiefs get their chance to avenge a pair of losses to thePatriots last season, both which came on the final play of the game. Patrick Mahomes has been held in check in each of the past two weeks, throwing for under 200 yards. However, Kansas City has won both on the back of its defense, which has shown real progress since September and early October.

Baltimore also has an important game on Sunday, taking on the Bills in Buffalo. The Ravens are attempting to hold onto the top seed in the AFC, and a loss would put that into peril. Should they lose, New England would hop over them with a win. If the Chiefs win, they would move to within a game of Baltimore while holding the tiebreaker. As for the Bills, they can clinch a wild card spot with a win and some help. Buffalo is trying to beat an opponent with a winning record for the second time this season.

Read: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Vents Frustration Over Team’s Struggles

Elsewhere, the Texans are hosting the Denver Broncos and rookie quarterback Drew Lock. Houston can take another step towards wrapping up the AFC South with a victory.

Pittsburgh is also trying to stay in the top six seeds, and has a road game across the country. The good news? The Steelers draw the Arizona Cardinals, winners of three games all season. While Kyler Murray has shown flashes, beating Pittburgh’s defense will be a tall order for the No. 1 overall pick.

Finally, a monumental game for the Titans and Raiders takes place in Oakland. The loser is likely through, especially considering Tennessee’s upcoming schedule. If the Raiders lose, they would be 6-7 and even if they won out, it would be difficult to get into the postseason at 9-7.