AFC Power Rankings

Heading towards Week 11, the playoff picture is coming into focus. The Patriots and Texans are on track to win their respective divisions. The AFC West is home to three seven win teams. The Ravens and Steelers are separated by one game in the AFC North.

Thirteen AFC teams are vying for postseason seeding or a wildcard berth with seven games to go in the regular season.

1. New England Patriots (7-2)

A versatile and efficient offense has put them at the top of the conference. But a lack of pass rush, after trading away Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins, has diminished their ability to create turnovers.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

Winners of five straight since the bye, they have the best turnover differential in the league by virtue of an opportunistic secondary. Will have an opportunity to take advantage of their home field with four Arrowhead games remaining.

3. Oakland Raiders (7-2)

Well rounded offense, led by a top offensive line, has paved the way. Their defense is still learning how to play together, and is allowing too many big passing plays.

4. Denver Broncos (7-2)

Still among the top pass rushing teams, their run defense has taken a step back this season. Their offense is middle of the road in most categories, despite a weakness in pass blocking.

5. Baltimore Ravens (5-4)

The best defense in the league so far is buoying a poor offense. Tough road games lie ahead on the schedule. Season hinges on the offensive line.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-5)

Popular franchise has lost four in a row. High flying offense has not been as potent in recent weeks, while their defense continues to struggle. Loss of Cam Heyward for the rest of the season hurts.

7. Houston Texans (6-3)

Spearheaded by a top pass defense, their passing offense is underperforming. They face a challenging remaining schedule.

8. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Finding an identity following an impressive win against Green Bay. Marcus Mariota is playing well, but their vulnerable run defense could be exposed with four of their final six on the road.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5-1)

They still field a dangerous downfield passing attack, but their team has regressed in most other phases. Demanding first half schedule will ease up a bit.

10. Miami Dolphins (5-4)

Jay Ajayi’s emergence has provided balance. Still looking for a marquee win, and their late season schedule is perilous.

11. Buffalo Bills (4-5)

Have lost three straight after an impressive run in October. Even leading the NFL in sacks, their defense is not good enough to carry a mostly one dimensional offense.

12. San Diego Chargers (4-6)

Solid team in all aspects has been plagued by close defeats in a brutal division.

13. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)

Allowing almost four sacks per game this season, Andrew Luck cannot carry the whole team on his own.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)

Disappointing offense paired with a below average defense is the recipe for a head coaching change.

15. New York Jets (3-7)

After an ugly home loss to the Rams, headed downhill fast with problems in the locker room and no viable plan at quarterback.

16. Cleveland Browns (0-10)

Finding some players for the future during a rebuilding season.