By Liam Swiggs
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 03: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after catching a first half touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on December 03, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Photo: Rob Carr
As the NFL season heads towards the business end, the league has been set alight with thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and unexpected twists. Right now is the perfect vantage point to reflect on the journey of each NFL team as they navigate the arduous path towards the coveted playoffs. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the triumphs and tribulations of every team, analysing key players, strategic shifts, and defining moments - looking forward to each team's potential run towards Super Bowl LVIII.
Today we have a look at the American Football Conference, click here for a wrap of the NFC teams.
AFC EAST
Miami Dolphins (9-3)
A quick-switching, high-scoring team. To put it simply, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the offence and a core group of brilliant wide receivers, the Dolphins can score points on anybody, at any moment. Bradley Chubb is among the top three players in the league in terms of forced fumbles this season, demonstrating how effectively the defence is performing. The Dolphins, however, exhibit weakness while playing against superior sides. They have a 0-3 record against elite teams, and their offence hasn't been able to score more than 20 points in any of those contests. But in saying that - they have scored at least 24 points in eight of their nine games against lower opposition. Can Miami find what they need to be serious contenders and run deep into the finals? I wouldn't write them off just yet.
Buffalo Bills (6-6)
After their bye, the Bills return to the field and face two potentially monumental games against top tier clubs. They must first travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs, and then play the Cowboys at home. In a close AFC division, two losses would undoubtedly be fatal for Buffalo. Only one win would probably increase the tension, but it doesn't lessen the volume of work necessary to get in. Josh Allen was exactly the sort of player we've been waiting for him to be against the Eagles, but it may be too little too late. The Bills need the Allen of old to really fire in the last stretch for them to be a chance to make the playoffs.'
New York Jets (4-8)
The Jets' season turned completely upside down in just four plays. The legendary Aaron Rodgers was the brand new quarterback of the season, but he tore his Achilles on the very first possession of the campaign. Even though Rodgers' departure has been difficult, the New York Jets, who were highly anticipated going into the season, nonetheless have a poor record. They've managed to deliver the Eagles their first defeat in addition to several impressive victories. The defence has performed admirably and has lived up to expectations, but the Jets' offence just isn't scoring. Now the Jets are no longer in contention for a wild-card berth, it's safe to say that Rodgers' return this season is highly doubtful.
New England Patriots (2-10)
The post-Brady Patriots are a shadow of the outstanding team they once were, as we have all heard before. For the very first time in his 24 years as head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick could depart from his spot as coach. Although Belichick has experienced just two losing seasons in his tenure as head coach of the Patriots, he now enters his third and first consecutive back to back seasons with a losing record. Being in a challenging conference with the Dolphins, Jets, and Bills isn't helping either. In any case, the Patriots need to give significant thought to benching Mac Jones and drafting a different quarterback. Patriots supporters could have to go through a major rebuild for the very first time ever in modern day NFL.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
Lamar Jackson might find himself in contention for MVP once more, leading the Baltimore Ravens to the top of a division that also features the Bengals and the shockingly good Browns. Even with star running back J.K. Dobbins out for the season injured, the Ravens' run game has taken off as Gus Edwards being one of the league's most prolific rushing touchdown scorers alongside Jackson's famous running game - making them the most serious threat on the ground in the NFL.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
After an encouraging start to the season, the Steelers are now barely scraping by with a mediocre record - all of their victories have come within a slim margin of a touchdown or less. They have defeated the Browns and the Ravens, two of the best teams in the NFL right now, yet only by a total of 11 points. The Steelers' defence continues to be functioning well, but it still feels inferior than it has in seasons past. The organisation still appears to be without a distinct identity on offence. The Steelers will be lucky to make the playoffs this year with so many issues regarding its offensive line, but you can't count them out just yet with coach Tomlin at the helm - we've seen crazier things.
Cleveland Browns (7-5)
The Browns have had some seriously impressive victories over top quality opponents that seem to come out of absolutely nowhere. Beating the 49ers, Ravens, and Colts by margins of two points and one point, respectively, makes them a force to be reckoned with. Deshaun Watson had improved his play through six games, particularly in their victory in Week 10, however it was revealed on 15 November that he will require season-ending shoulder surgery due to a broken bone. The Browns will need to rally together on the field or they may be headed for an early post regular season exit if they can't put more points on opponents as things heat up in the race for the finals.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)
The Cincinnati Bengals are playing well at last. The Bengals prevailed on Monday night and maintained their playoff hopes in the AFC thanks to a strong showing from the backup quarterback PJ Walker. Although the defence is playing amazingly, they still needed to establish themselves as an offensive unit in order to score points and win. As the second half of the season approaches, they appear to be returning to their previous caliber.The Colts, Vikings, Steelers, Chiefs, and Browns on the schedule may make things difficult, but Cincinnati is once again in the running for the playoffs.
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
The Jags' three point field goal victory in overtime against division rivals the Texans in Week 12 was absolutely crucial because it gives them the keys to the AFC South. As the season evolved, the Jaguars have grown stronger and are seen to be in good overall shape. With all of his offensive instruments, Jaguars faithful are still waiting for former first overall choice Trevor Lawrence to reach the peak of his abilities. With great pass-catchers in Engram, Ridley, Jones, and Kirk, Jacksonville's receiver core is taking some serious shape. If Lawrence continues to advance his game and lead this team, this Jaguars could turn out a force to be reckoned with come January.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 04: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars takes the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Stadium on December 04, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) Photo: Courtney Culbreath
Indianapolis Colts (7-5)
Indianapolis needs to immediately figure out its run game since running back Jonathan Taylor could be sidelined for a few games. Although Zack Moss has performed admirably in Taylor's place this season, the Colts' running assault took a step back on Sunday. With the help of the special teams, the Colts upset the division rival Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in an overtime thriller, where the Titans were previously undefeated at home, extending the Colts winning streak to four games. However, for an Indianapolis squad that lacks some x-factor and still needs to rack up more victories to be assured of a spot in the postseason, the season is still teetering on a knife's edge.
Houston Texans (7-5)
The Texans were prepared for the worst, having some absolute heartbreakers in their last three losses and feeling like they were out of luck after Tank Dell sustained an injury that would put an end to his season. However, the Texans are also aware that Jimmie Ward's game-winning, last-second, end-zone interception - one of Houston's three crucial interceptions on Sunday - got them yet another thrilling win. They've emerged victorious from more close games than not; the last five victories all came down to the last seconds in one-score affairs. Even two months ago, it seemed inconceivable, but the youthful Texans took another powerful stride toward the postseason.
Tennessee Titans (4-8)
Despite the Titans' 4-8 record, Sunday's defeat was significant as it was their first real home loss of the year. Multiple Tennessee players sustained injuries during the contest, as well as the special teams coordinator being sacked the following day. An expected victory ended up turning into an overtime loss owing to injuries to three highly significant key players during the game. The Titans' destiny appears set, even if they were to finish the season with five consecutive victories; they wouldn't be completely promised a postseason berth. The long-term prospects of Vrabel, Henry, and other individuals in Tennessee are currently up for debate after what has been another lacklustre season for the struggling franchise.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
The key for the defending Super Bowl Chiefs this year is their defence. Turnovers are key in the NFL with the Chief's up there in the league for the most fumbles recovered, while Trent McDuffie is punishing opposition offences in his second year forcing five fumbles so far. Another second year standout, George Karlaftis, leads the league in terrorising quarterbacks with eight sacks so far. Patrick Mahomes has had a quiet start to the year for his standards but the slightly new look Chiefs offence just keeps getting better. The Chiefs are almost unstoppable in their run towards the NFL Playoffs looking to make it back to back Super Bowls.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 12: Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce applaud before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) Photo: David Eulitt
Denver Broncos (6-6)
The Broncos' chances of making the playoffs may have been greatly soured by a tight loss to Houston. After trailing 13-0 early in the third quarter, the Broncos appeared to be able to scrape by. With the Broncos' defence firing - prompting four punts in five possessions, Russell Wilson was suddenly in vintage form. However, in the final quarter it all came crashing down, Wilson throwing three interceptions, with the final one coming from inside the Texan's end zone coming oh so close to a desperately needed win. With that an a highly contested conference - Denver will basically need to win their remaining five games to be in with a shot at playoffs football.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
The once-productive attack of the Chargers has faltered in recent games, coinciding with the defence's remarkable improvements. The Chargers and Lions combined for a blockbuster 954 yards in Week 10's 41-38 defeat for Los Angeles. The Chargers have since scored only 36 points over three games - while giving up only 43 points on defence. Despite the fact that the Chargers did a good job of stopping the Ravens and Packers before that, they struggled against the lowly Patriots - who truly are the league's most terrible offensive team. It's difficult to predict what this means for the Chargers in the long run, but it seems remarkable that this club still has trouble stringing together complete performances in which all three groups perform admirably. And, until they click together the Chargers will continue to struggle.
Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Although the Raiders have improved following their head coach change, they still have to contend against four teams that have the potential to reach the playoffs in the last five weeks in addition to the Chargers. It may be a difficult journey home. They previously sacked head coach Josh McDaniels before their campaign was halfway over, appointing their second temporary head coach in as many seasons. Aidan O'Connell, a rookie, has replaced Jimmy Garoppolo, yet neither quarterback seems to be doing well. Despite the offensive prowess of Jacobs and Adams, the offence has not been performing like a top franchise. This team needs guidance, and all they can do is have faith Antonio Pierce, their interim coach, will offer it.
