AFC Playoff Picture

In my previous post I wrote about the NFC Playoff picture and why I believe it’s going to be the Arizona Cardinals vs Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Let’s look at why this is going to happen on the AFC side of things.

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning is going to go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. Hall of Famer all the way, first year, but when it comes to the playoffs he just doesn’t show up. His record speaks for itself. First round, he’s playing either the Chiefs or Steelers. Both can beat the Broncos in Denver. Peyton is just not a playoff quarterback. Honestly, if Rex Grossman hadn’t been the opposing quarterback he may not have had his one Super Bowl victory.

Houston Texans

I’m just not seeing the Houston Texans make it past the Chiefs. They have a solid defense but their offense is shaky. I’m not seeing them doing much against Kansas City’s solid defense, even though I like Brian Hoyer. Alex Smith will nickel and dime the Texan’s defense to death.

Cincinnati Bengals

With AJ McCarron as quarterback, I find it highly unlikely they’ll be able to win a shootout against the Steelers. Brown can’t be covered, neither can AJ Greene, but Brown just has a better quarterback throwing him the ball. I really wanted to see Andy Dalton win a playoff game but he may not get a chance to play this year.

New England Patriots

I have a friendly bet going with my boss on this. She’s a Patriots fan, so if they make it, I have to do the chicken dance at a meeting. If the Chiefs make it, she does. With that said, Tom Brady is arguably one of the best quarterbacks ever. Another first ballot Hall of Famer, I just don’t think it’s their year. They have a lot of players coming back from injury for their game. It wouldn’t bother me if they make it again, but I just don’t see them beating the Steelers or the Chiefs with the team’s current shape.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Face it, their defense is terrible, but their offense puts up points. They’re explosive with Big Ben in there and even more so if DeAngelo Williams is playing too. Unfortunately, he’s been ruled out. Even with a mediocre running back in the game, Brown still can’t be covered. If it goes to a shootout, Steelers have it but will lose in the AFC Championship game.

Kansas City Chiefs

You can’t win with Alex Smith, unless you’re Andy Reid or Jim Harbaugh. A game manager is what he’s called. Yeah, he manages to win 10 in a row and that’s not stopping any time soone. Their offense is on fire and so is their defense. There isn’t a team in the NFL as hot as they are right now. Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce are turning into a pretty great one two punch. What more do you need?

Chiefs, Steelers, Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Texans. That’s my ranking. To be honest, I just don’t want the Broncos to go. All the others can win. Well, I don’t really want to do the chicken dance either, so Patriots can’t go either. Whatever the outcome, enjoy the games this week and have fun.