AFC Playoff Picture Shifts Dramatically After Week 11 Upsets

The American Football Conference playoff race was reshaped by major upsets in Week 11. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots now lead the conference with matching 9-2 records. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans surged into contention with a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills.

This development tightens the race for the top seed and wild card spots. Several teams are now fighting for their postseason lives with just seven weeks remaining in the regular season.

Broncos and Patriots Establish AFC Dominance

The Denver Broncos have secured the AFC’s top spot following an impressive eight-game winning streak. Their 6-2 conference record gives them the tiebreaker advantage over New England. This positioning could prove crucial for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

New England remains firmly in the hunt despite the tiebreaker disadvantage. The Patriots maintain a 97% playoff probability according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. Both teams control their own destiny heading into the critical final stretch of the season.

According to Reuters, the Broncos’ consistency has impressed analysts across the league. Their defense has been particularly dominant during their winning streak. This gives them an edge as they push for the conference’s top seed.

Texans’ Stunning Victory Reshapes Wild Card Race

The Houston Texans delivered the week’s biggest shock with a 23-19 upset over the Buffalo Bills. Backup quarterback Davis Mills led the team to victory despite missing several key offensive weapons. Mills threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns in the impressive road win.

Houston’s defense dominated the game with eight sacks on Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The unit sealed the victory with a game-ending interception in the red zone. This performance showcased the team’s potential despite their backup quarterback situation.

The Texans now sit just half a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final wild card spot. Their victory provides crucial momentum as they enter the season’s most important stretch. Houston has now beaten Buffalo in consecutive seasons, establishing an unexpected pattern.

Current AFC Playoff Standings and Outlook

The conference standings show clear separation between contenders and pretenders. The Indianapolis Colts hold the third seed at 8-2 after dominating their division. The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the AFC North at 6-4 despite recent struggles.

Buffalo dropped to 7-4 after their surprising loss to Houston. The Bills now trail New England in the AFC East race. Their path to the playoffs now likely runs through the wild card round.

The Los Angeles Chargers currently hold the final wild card position at 7-4. Several teams remain in contention for the conference’s final playoff spots. The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens both sit at 5-5, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

The AFC playoff picture remains fluid heading into Week 12, with multiple teams controlling their own destiny in the race for postseason positioning.

Thought you’d like to know

Which teams currently lead the AFC divisions?

The Broncos lead the West, Patriots top the East, Colts control the South, and the Steelers lead the North. Division winners automatically qualify for the playoffs regardless of their record compared to wild card teams.

How do tiebreakers work for playoff seeding?

The first tiebreaker is head-to-head results between the tied teams. If that doesn’t resolve it, conference record becomes the next determining factor. Division records and common opponents follow in the sequence.

Which team has the easiest remaining schedule?

According to NFL analysts, the Patriots face the most favorable schedule among AFC contenders. Their remaining opponents have a combined losing record, giving them an advantage in the race for the top seed.

Can the Texans realistically make the playoffs?

Yes, Houston now has a legitimate path to the postseason after their upset victory. Their defense ranks among the league’s best, giving them a chance in every remaining game. The final wild card spot remains wide open for several teams.

What happened to the Kansas City Chiefs?

The Chiefs have struggled to a 5-5 record after being preseason favorites. Their offense has been inconsistent throughout the season. They now face must-win scenarios to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, NFL Network