The NFL has entered the final quarter of the 2017 season, and with the AFC playoff picture heating up, here are the predictions for what teams will make the playoffs in the AFC.
DIVISION WINNERS
AFC EAST- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
New England went on the road and beat the Bills to improve their record to 10-2. A win next Monday night over the Dolphins, they can clinch the division. As of right now the Bills sit at 6-6, but since they have their issues on offense and defense, it is unlikely at this point they can try to take the East.
During the Patriots 8 game winning streak, they have help opponents to 17 points or less in each game, and 8 points or less in 3 of those games.
NFC NORTH- PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Pittsburgh is heading into the final quarter of the season with a record of 10-2, following a Monday night win over their division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Three of their remaining games are at home, the Ravens, Patriots and Browns, they do have a road game against the Texans as well.
Pittsburgh is ranked top 5 in points allowed per game this season, with their offensive weapons, and their defense they can play well down the stretch.
Even if the Steelers went 2-2 they would still finish ahead of the Ravens if they won out as they are currently 7-5. Unless the Steelers have a late season collapse, this division should be theirs.
AFC SOUTH- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville is 8-4 and their defense is ranked number 1 in points allowed, yards allowed, passing touchdowns,a and passing yards allowed. They also rank second in turnovers forced. Their last four games of the season are home against the Seahawks and Texans, then on the road against the 49ers and then the Titans to close out the season.
Seattle could be a though test, but since it is a home game for the Jaguars, it gives them an advantage. Jacksonville’s defense is not the only area the Jaguars lead the league in, they lead the league in rushing yards on offense. A good ground and pound attack can keep the ball away from the opponents.
This division could come down to week 17 against the Titans.
AFC WEST- LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
http://gty.im/878103218
Following an 0-4 start, the Chargers have brought their record back to 6-6. During their 3 game winning streak, they have had no turnovers, and have forced 10 takeaways (6 against the Bills). They currently rank 5th in points allowed, and 5th in passing touchdowns allowed. Their next 4 games are home against the Redskins, at the Chiefs, at the Jets and then home against the Raiders.
Right now the Chargers are one of the three 6-6 teams in the AFC West. The Chiefs and Raiders, two of their last four games are against. The Chiefs started the season 5-0 and have gone 1-5 since, and the Raiders are battling injuries, and have only had 1 interception on defense all season long.
Given how the Chargers are playing, and their schedule ahead, they can take this division.
WILDCARD
Tennessee Titans
Just like their AFC South division rival Jacksonville Jaguars, the Titans are currently 8-4. They are about to embark on a two game road trip against the NFC West, they play Cardinals and 49ers. They come back home and play Los Angeles Rams followed by the Jaguars to end the regular season.
What can help his Titans team is that they run the ball well, second in touchdowns and seventh in rushing yards. On defense they rank third against the run and second in rushing touchdowns allowed. While the Titans could make a run for the division title, they are ranked 18th in both points allowed and points scored. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has struggled this season, throwing 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
An 8-4 record heading into the last quarter of the season is not a bad record to have, especially when they face the Cardinals and 49ers over the next two games.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Currently sitting at 7-5 with the third best scoring defense and most interceptions by a defense (20), Baltimore can ride their defense to the playoffs. Baltimore has also shut three teams out this season, the Bengals, Dolphins and Packers.
Their next four games start with two away games, at the Steelers, the at the Browns. They then return home for two games, against the Colts and then their AFC North division rival Bengals. The Steelers game will be a tough test, and the Bengals could give them some issues, but the Browns and Colts should not be to hard. The Ravens could go 3-1 down the final quarter of the season to end up at 10-6.
It should noted that they did beat the Raiders earlier this season, who are currently 6-6, and if they can win out, it still gives the Raves the upper hand if both teams finish with the same record.