Not much change in the AFC playoff picture from last year, though injuries may play a crucial role in the shake-ups bound to come.
AFC West- It ought to be a two-horse race with the Chargers and Broncos (thank you to those who understood the intended witticism). The Chiefs and Raiders just have too many holes in order to even have a .500 season. So, we move on to Denver and San Diego. I will go ahead and choose the winner of this past week’s Monday Night Football contest, the Broncos, after they went and cameback on the Chargers Denver has a superb offense that should earn a playoff berth led by future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning, and modest tailback Willis McGahee, whereas the Chargers just don’t have what it takes with a failed coach and inconsistent starting quarterback. When it comes to defense, I’d say Denver has the edge with guys like Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, and Champ Bailey, though they looked like a hot mess versus the Chargers in the first half. Now, given the decent balance of the Broncos, they will go ahead and win the west and represent the weakest division champion in all of football.
AFC South- Texans, Texans, Texans. There is virtually no chance for the Titans, Colts or Jaguars to take down the Goliath-like Texans, who seemed very vulnerable this past week. Obviously, the loss at home to the Packers was a tough one to swallow, but I doubt these Texans let that get to them. They have the offense and defense to go far, so it’s just a matter of if Houston comes out flat or if they play like the team we all know they are. I see them coming out of week 17 with an 11-5 record, a five game lead over the Titans.
AFC North- After hearing the news of the loss of Terrell Suggs, my first reaction wasn’t a panic-stricken one. “That’s one of many superstars on that defense,” I pondered. But after the report about the tandem of Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb, I realized that this is a completely new Ravens squad. Sure, they have Joe Flacco and Ray Rice on the flip side of the ball, but their defense is what makes even casual fans recognize the city of Baltimore. Now, my view of this division has reversed. I now predict the Bengals squeaking by a game to take home the AFC North title. I’m not wholeheartedly set on Cincinnati, but there’s no way Baltimore performs up to par the rest of the way. The Bengals have to realize that this a golden opportunity to take this league by storm with the “Red Rifle” Andy Dalton at quarterback attached to his top wide out AJ Green. Their defense must enhance themselves a bit in order to be considered a real contender, but they have the tools. It’s just a matter of utilizing talent for this team. Now, let’s not forget about the Steelers folks. They too, have a good defense. But what’s my problem with Pittsburgh? No run game plus losses to Oakland and Tennessee. That my friend, is inexcusable.
AFC East- Even though there’s a four-way tie in this division, I’m pretty sure Jets, Bills, and Dolphins fans will all agree that this division’s going to the New England Patriots for yet another year. You can point out that the Dolphins offense is suitable, or the Bills have a noble defense, or the Jets have improved throughout the year, but c’mon y’all. Let’s get real. Tom Brady still exists and seems to have a fitting running game with Stevan Ridley. Their defense is enough to let the offense take care of games. Plus arguably the best head coach in the game helps to. The Pats will end up with division for the fourth straight season.
Wild Cards- I forecast the Ravens and Steelers to enter the playoffs again based on the fact there are virtually no other competitive team. Both could probably end up going 8-8 and still get in. That’s how poor the AFC is in 2012. The Ravens have gotten off to a hot start so the losses of key defensive players shouldn’t affect the overall record, and Pittsburgh could probably overcome the horrid losses in the early stages of this season.
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AFC Seedings: 1. Patriots; 2. Texans; 3. Bengals; 4. Broncos; 5. Ravens; 6. Steelers
Wild Card Round: 6. Steelers over 3. Bengals; 5. Ravens over 4. Broncos
Divisional Round: 1. Patriots over 5. Ravens; 2. Texans over 6. Steelers
Conference Round: 2. Texans over 1. Patriots
Don’t agree? Comment!
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