Eyes On NFL: The 5 Best Teams In The AFC

By @TrueGodImmortal

The AFC isn't as competitive now as we hoped, but one thing is clear, their playoff picture is starting to shape up pretty clearly. With that being said, I wanted to take a look at the top 5 teams on the AFC now, as we head into week 12 of the NFL. Who ranks at no. 1? The Steelers or The Patriots? Let's take a look.

5. Tennessee Titans
(6-4)

-As of this writing, the Titans hold a wild card spot. They might actually pull it off this season and make the playoffs, but they aren't a serious threat or contender. Marcus Mariota hasn't been very consistent, and their run game hasn't been very consistent either, but they are in position for a playoff spot and that is what earns them a spot on this list. Whether or not the Titans can close out the season well remains to be seen, but I wouldn't bet on them to win the division or even make any noise as we near playoff time. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

4. Kansas City Chiefs
(6-4)

-The Chiefs don't even deserve to be on this list after what I witnessed this weekend, but I'll let it slide I guess. They still lead the AFC West, but I have little faith in them. Alex Smith looks like Alex Smith again and Kareem Hunt has began to slow down some. The thing about the Chiefs is that they are like the rest of the AFC, inconsistent. They had a great offense at first and managed to get some big victories starting out, but now they look more pedestrian than ever. Will the Chiefs be a threat into the postseason? I doubt it, but due to the rest of the division not being very good at the moment, it is a possibility that they win the AFC West with ease unless a big turnaround by the Raiders and Chargers happens to go along with an even bigger Chiefs collapse. For now, they are here at no. 4.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
(7-3)

-Honestly, I don't know how the Jaguars are 7-3, but they seem focused and confidence is the thing that will carry them into the playoffs. Their defense is making them reminiscent of the Broncos from two years ago, and Leonard Fournette is a solid runner that could do damage to the AFC defenses when the playoffs begin. The Jaguars have an issue at QB as I don't think Blake Bortles is going to be the man to lead them anywhere, but it remains to be seen how well things go when the playoffs arrive.

2. New England Patriots
(8-2) 

-I still don't have faith in the Patriots, but to be fair, I never will. Still, Tom Brady is still Tom Brady and their offense is ridiculous, but their defense has been inconsistent through the season. The defense seems somewhat comfortable right now, but come playoff time, one has to wonder how ready that defense will be. The fact of the matter is, the Patriots are exactly where we thought they would be and will likely remain in one of the top two seeds in the AFC when playoff time comes. Brady could be on the way to another ring... or another Super Bowl loss... whatever the case, the Patriots are firmly in the hunt for AFC supremacy and the first round bye.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
(8-2)

-I hate actually putting the Steelers here at the top, but they earned it. I'm not convinced that the Patriots are the best and although their defense has improved, I feel like the Steelers have a better defense overall and more dangerous weapons offensively, as they possess the best WR IMO with AB and one of the best running backs in the game with Bell. Big Ben has stepped it up after seeming like he was heading toward the twilight of his career. The Steelers are the best team in the AFC at the moment and it is very possible that they end up in the AFC Championship game across from the Patriots. It remains to be seen how well these Steelers play in the postseason and if they can stay healthy, but if they can... watch out.

-True