In this week’s NFL power rankings for the AFC, it’s the Las Vegas Raiders who are cratering after another loss and the benching of Derek Carr.
16. Houston Texans (LW: 16)
Only two more games for the Texans, and then they go on the clock.
15. Indianapolis Colts (LW: 15)
Indianapolis is now starting Nick Foles under center. If that’s not tanking, I don’t know what is.
14. Denver Broncos (LW: 14)
Denver is 4-11 and finally fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett. It’s been an incredibly rough year for the Broncos after an offseason of hype.
13. Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 11)
Speaking of hype, the Raiders had plenty in the summer. Now? A disaster, punctuated by benching quarterback Derek Carr for Jarrett Stidham.
12. Cleveland Browns (LW: 12)
The Browns better hope that quarterback Deshaun Watson gets much, much, much, much better.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 13)
The Steelers still have a really outside shot at the postseason, and it starts with winning out. Up next, a visit to Baltimore on Sunday night.
10. New York Jets (LW: 10)
It’s time for the Jets to get rolling. If they win out against the Seahawks and Dolphins — both on the road — they probably get in the playoffs.
9. New England Patriots (LW: 9)
Much like the Jets, it’s about winning. If the Patriots win their two games, they’re in the playoffs. No help needed.
8. Tennessee Titans (LW: 8)
The Titans are going to get smoked this Thursday by the Dallas Cowboys, but it doesn’t matter. Tennessee is treating this like a bye week before a win-and-in game against the Jaguars next weekend.
7. Miami Dolphins (LW: 6)
With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustaining another concussion, Miami’s future is murky. For now, it’s Teddy Bridgewater against the Patriots.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 7)
Jacksonville is playing really well. The Jags will be a tough out if they make the playoffs.
5. Baltimore Ravens (LW: 5)
Baltimore is playing some ugly football, but it’s hanging around while Lamar Jackson recovers from his knee injury.
4. Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 4)
The Chargers punched their ticket to the playoffs, and they’ll be a very dangerous team come Wild Card weekend.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 3)
No AFC team is playing better in the moment. Now, a huge game against the Bills on Monday night.
2. Buffalo Bills (LW: 2)
Beat the Bengals on Monday, and they likely have the top seed. Lose, and Buffalo could well be the third seed in the AFC playoffs.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 1)
Kansas City has the Broncos and Raiders remaining. They’ll likely finish 14-3, but is it enough for the No. 1 seed?