Many AFC teams are “in the hunt” for a Wild Card spot heading into Week 11. The Buffalo Bills, currently 6-3, hold the No. 5 spot in the Wild Card race entering Sunday, but with a tough sled ahead, making the postseason is far from a given. Which teams are the biggest threats to surpass the Bills in the standings?
 |
H&M Gift Card |
NYUP looked at eight AFC teams listed as “in the hunt” for a playoff spot and ranked them from least likely to contend for a playoff spot with the Bills to most likely. Below you will find every team’s remaining schedule, the reason they could sneak into the playoffs and a reason why they won’t surpass Buffalo.
 |
SurveyVoices - DOI Survey |
8. Denver Broncos (3-6)
Remaining opponents: @Vikings, @Bills, Chargers, @Texans, @Chiefs, Lions, Raiders
Denver has little room for error if they hope to make a run for a playoff spot. With several playoff contenders on their remaining schedule, it would take a miracle to make the postseason.
Reason they make the playoffs: Defense
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Uncertainty at QB
The Broncos have a terrific defense, but their quarterback play is not good enough to be considered a legitimate playoff threat.
 |
| Ajouter une légende |
7. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6)
Remaining schedule: Chiefs, @Broncos, @Jaguars, Vikings, Raiders, @Chiefs
Los Angeles would have been bumped up a spot had they defeated the Raiders last week, but Phillip Rivers and the Chargers offense put together one of the worst drives imaginable at the end of the game. Based on their remaining schedule, it’s hard to envision Los Angeles even getting to .500.
Reason they make the playoffs: Roster talent
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Remaining schedule
Much like the Browns, the Chargers have no shortage of talent on their roster. That talent has not translated to wins through 10 games and it’s hard to envision them making a run with the Chiefs (x2), Jaguars, Vikings and Raiders remaining on their schedule.
 |
Score Radar - Soccer Predictor |
6. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Remaining schedule: Jaguars, @Colts, @Raiders, Texans, Saints, @Texans
The Titans have gone 3-1 with Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback. Their latest victory over the Chiefs was a major surprise, but their remaining schedule is difficult with two matchups against the Texans, a game against the Saints and two more divisional games.
Reason they make the playoffs: Derrick Henry
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Ryan Tannehill
Derrick Henry is a great running back, but leaning on the run with Tennessee’s remaining schedule will not be easy. Teams will eventually force the Titans to throw and it’s hard to believe that Ryan Tannehill will be able to lead Tennessee to the playoffs.
 |
VPNHUB - Private & Unlimited |
5. Cleveland Browns (3-6)
Remaining schedule: Steelers, Dolphins, @Steelers, Bengals, @Cardinals, Ravens, @Bengals
The Browns and Jaguars were tough to rank. Cleveland has more overall talent, but with six losses they will have some difficulty contending for a spot. Cleveland’s most difficult game remaining on their schedule is against the Ravens, a team they have already defeated this season.
Cleveland has the talent to go on a run starting tonight on Thursday Night Football, but can they overcome their coaching staff?
Reason they make the playoffs: Overall talent
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Coaching staff
The Browns have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but talent doesn’t always translate to wins. Freddie Kitchens and the Browns coaching staff seems to be holding this roster back.
 |
MaximusMoney |
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5)
Remaining schedule: @Colts, @Titans, Buccaneers, Chargers, @Raiders, @Falcons, Colts
Can Nick Foles save the Jaguars’ 2019 season? Gardner Minshew kept the Jaguars afloat in Foles’ place, but Jacksonville has little room for error. If they can handle business against fellow AFC South teams, they have a chance.
Reason they make the playoffs: Ability to move the ball
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Points per game
Jacksonville has moved the ball with ease this season. The team is 11th in yards (377.1), 13th in passing yards (247.6) and 9th in rushing yards (129.6). Points, however, have been hard to come by. Jacksonville is currently 24th in the league with 19.6 points per game. If the Jaguars can score more points with Nick Foles under center, the Jaguars could make a run at a Wild Card spot.
 |
IHeartRadio - 48 MB |
3. Indianapolis Colts (5-4)
Remaining schedule: Jaguars, @Texans, Titans, @Buccaneers, @Saints, Panthers, @Jaguars
Jacoby Brissett is expected to start on Sunday against Jacksonville. As long as he can remain healthy, the Colts can make a push for a playoff spot. Matchups against the Texans, Saints and Panthers will prove difficult.
Reason they make the playoffs: Coaching staff
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Remaining schedule
The Colts have an excellent head coach in Frank Reich. With Brissett returning to the lineup, Indianapolis will compete every week. Indianapolis’ remaining schedule is tough, however. Minus a matchup against the Buccaneers, every team remaining on their schedule is fighting for a playoff spot in their respective conference.
 |
Free Diabetic Wristband |
2. Oakland Raiders (5-4)
Remaining schedule: Bengals, @Jets, @Chiefs, Titans, Jaguars, @Chargers, @Broncos
The Raiders have two winnable games on the horizon before they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. If the team gets to 7-5, 9-10 wins are possible with home matchups against the Titans and Jaguars and road games against the Chargers and Broncos.
Reason they make the playoffs: Remaining schedule
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Defense
At first glance, the Raiders’ remaining schedule is overly difficult minus one matchup against the Chiefs. If the team hopes to make the playoffs, the offense will need to carry Oakland. The Raiders’ defense is 26th in points allowed (26.7) and overall yards (381.7) and 30th in passing yards (283.2).
 |
BET+ Premium Subscription |
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
Remaining schedule: @Browns, @Bengals, Browns, @Cardinals, Bills, @Jets, @Ravens
The Steelers are 5-1 since their 0-3 start and their losses have come against legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the Patriots, Ravens, Seahawks and 49ers. If the Steelers can sweep the Browns, they can get to 10 wins this season.
Reason they make the playoffs: Legitimate defense
Reason they won’t get to the postseason: Mason Rudolph
The Steelers’ defense is as good as advertised and seems to be getting better each week. As long as they continue to perform at a high level, the Steelers can make a run at 10 wins this season. If the defense slips, however, it will be interesting to see if Mason Rudolph can lead Pittsburgh to victory. Rudolph has been a quality game manager at this point, but hasn’t been asked to carry the team.
 |
Youtube Hidden Secrets |
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire