AFC playoff picture, Week 15: Chiefs keep rolling

After their seventh consecutive win, the Kansas City Chiefs are the top seed in the AFC playoff picture as Sunday’s action unfolds.

As we go into Sunday’s action for Week 15, here’s how the AFC playoff picture stands:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)
2. Tennessee Titans (9-4)
3. New England Patriots (9-5)
4. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
7. Buffalo Bills (8-6)
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8. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
9. Cleveland Browns (7-6)
10. Denver Broncos (7-6)

Of course, we’ve already seen the most important games of the weekend.

On Thursday night, the Chiefs and Chargers played an instant classic at SoFi Stadium. Despite the Chargers scoring a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, they were beaten 34-28 in overtime as Patrick Mahomes threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns in a comeback victory. For Kansas City, the win all but assures a sixth straight AFC West title, while the Chargers are now fighting for the top wild card spot.

Then, on Saturday night, it was the Patriots visiting the Colts in a key affair for both sides. Despite Indy quarterback Carson Wentz failing to throw for 60 yards, two Mac Jones interceptions and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown helped the Colts win 27-17 at home. With the victory, Indianapolis moves into the No. 5 seed while the Patriots drop two slots to the No. 3, with the Bills on deck.

Speaking of Buffalo, it tries to stay in the top seven spots with a win this weekend over the lowly Carolina Panthers. After starting 3-0, Carolina is 2-8 in its past 10 games and has struggled mightily regardless of who is starting under center. Meanwhile, the Bills are attempting to avoid a third straight loss and one that could cost them a playoff berth.

In Baltimore, it’s likely going to be the Tyler Huntley show as he takes on the Green Bay Packers. The Ravens have also lost two straight and face a brutal schedule the rest of the way, starting with Aaron Rodgers and Co. It could be another defeat, only tightening the already tense AFC North battle.

Finally, the Bengals visit the Broncos in what feels like an elimination game, especially for the home side. Denver has a rough schedule the rest of the way, including road dates with the Las Vegas Raiders and Chargers, along with a Week 18 game at Mile High against the surging Chiefs. If the Broncos can’t beat the Bengals, it’s going to put them in rough position the rest of the way.