Earlier this week, I predicted who I thought would make the playoffs in the AFC and NFC. Today, I will predict the AFC playoffs with the seven teams I predicted earlier. I do have Kansas City getting the top seed in the AFC playoffs. When Patrick Mahomes is your quarterback, you will be favored in just about any game. Here is how I see the AFC playoffs shaking out.
AFC Wildcard Round: (2) Baltimore Over (7) Buffalo, (6) New York Jets Over (3) Houston, (5) Cincinnati Over (4) Miami
After the Chiefs, I think Baltimore is clearly the second best team in the AFC. They didn’t get the job done in the AFC Championship game against Kansas City last year at home, but I think the Ravens will win a Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson. There is too many unknowns with Buffalo, especially after losing Stefon Diggs. It might take a year to sort it out, but Buffalo will be around for the foreseeable future.
This is probably my biggest swing in the playoffs. If Aaron Rodgers plays at an MVP level, the Jets can make a run, especially with the talent they have on both sides of the ball. I think the entire season for the Jets hinges on the health of their quarterback.
Miami hasn’t proven yet they can make noise in the postseason. They have been a good regular season team. While I think they win the AFC East this year, a healthy Joe Burrow and the Bengals should come into a warm environment and take care of business in that game.
AFC Divisional Round: (1) Kansas City Over (6) New York Jets, (2) Baltimore Over (5) Cincinnati
If the Jets went into Kansas City with their top players, this could be a very interesting game and a team the Chiefs would not want to see. Again, if the Jets have injuries to key players, this game would not happen. By now, you should never count out the 2 time defending Super Bowl Champions. They just don’t lose at home.
Baltimore and Cincinnati would be the best game in the playoffs to this point. As much as I love Joe Burrow, the offensive line has been a question mark in Cincinnati since he as entered the league. The Ravens defense is always one of the better units in the league. I think this a close game, but I would take the Ravens as home.
AFC Championship: (2) Baltimore Over (1) Kansas City
I know what you might be thinking: Kansas City went to top seed Baltimore last season in the AFC Championship game and beat them. However, it was clear the Ravens were not that experienced in that moment with the roster they had. I think that was a valuable learning lesson for them.
Defense will travel on the road. While both teams have good defenses, I think the Ravens will be looking for revenge in this game. I think they get it done and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
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