We are down to the final three weeks of the season, with several games having huge playoff implications. Here are my previews and score predictions for the week for every AFC team.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
The 9-5 Texans clinched their division by beating the Miami Dolphins last Sunday despite only having 181 total yards of offense. They will need a much better running game, along with downfield passing to have a chance to beat the Chiefs. The 13-1 Chiefs beat the Cleveland Browns convincingly behind a defense that caused 6 turnovers. Unfortunately, they may have lost QB Patrick Mahomes this week with an ankle injury. In that event, the Chiefs will be led by QB Carson Wentz, who has plenty of NFL experience. No matter who the QB is, I like the Chiefs at home in what should be a defensive battle.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 19 – Texans 13
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
The 3-11 Patriots have lost four straight and are all alone at the bottom of the AFC East. They will need a Super Man like effort from rookie QB Drake Maye and defense if they want to win in Buffalo. The 11-3 Bills are hitting on all cylinders offensively, scoring 90 points over their last two games. QB Josh Allen has solidified himself as the top MVP candidate by throwing for 5 and running for 5 touchdowns in that span. Can they reach 40 points again? I think they will fall short, but they still should win comfortably.
Score Prediction: Bills 34 – Patriots 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
The 10-4 Steelers were grossly outplayed by the Philadelphia Eagles 27-13 last week. They couldn’t get much going on both sides of the ball and will have a tough task in hand in Baltimore. As expected, the 9-5 Ravens handled the New York Giants with ease behind 5 TD passes from QB Lamar Jackson. They will look to tie the Steelers for first place in the AFC North with a win. I predicted a blowout loss for the Steelers last week and will again this week. They will struggle to run the ball against a stout Baltimore front, and they don’t have the weapons to take advantage of the Raven’s weak secondary.
Score Prediction: Ravens 30 – Steelers 13
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders
The 3-11 Jaguars were close to victory but gave up a 71-yard touchdown to Davante Adams late in the 4th quarter. The loss spoiled a huge game by WR Brian Thomas Jr., who had 106 receiving yards and 2 scores. The 2-12 Raiders lost a tight one to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night. They struggled for any offense until midway through the 4th quarter. It is expected that QB Aidan O’Connell will be back to lead the team as he has returned to practice. Whoever wins will most likely eliminate themselves from getting the overall number one pick in the 2025 draft. I think O’Connell makes the difference.
Score Prediction: Raiders 27 – Jaguars 17
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins
The 6-8 49ers have been all but eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Los Angeles Rams. They will try to get their offense back on track after only scoring 6 points. The 6-8 Dolphins also have been all but eliminated as they lost to the Houston Texans. They will need a much better performance from QB Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off throwing 3 interceptions. I think we can flip a coin in this one, but I think the 49ers are a better all-around team.
Score Prediction: 49eers 24 – Dolphins 20
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
The 3-11 Titans lost their third straight game vs. the Bengals. QB Mason Rudolph is expected to start as he gave the Titan offense a bit of a spark by throwing 2 touchdown passes after replacing ineffective QB Will Levis. The 6-8 Colts blew a 13-7 halftime lead in Denver to all but end their playoff hopes. Inconsistent QB play by Anthony Richardson spoiled a 100-yard rushing performance by Jonathan Taylor. I like the Colts in this one at home by a field goal.
Score Prediction: Colts 20 – Titans 17
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
The 8-6 Rams are now tied at the top of the AFC West after beating the 49ers last week. They were led by their defense that only allowed 6 points after giving up 42 to Buffalo the week before. This week, they will need QB Matt Stafford to lead a much better offensive output to beat the Jets. The 4-10 Jets scored 15 fourth-quarter points to come back and beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were led by WR Davante Adams, who had a monster game with 198 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. They will need QB Aaron Rodgers to continue to be sharp if they want to keep up with the high-flying Rams. I like how the Rams are playing, and I expect WR Puka Nacua to make the plays that make the difference.
Score Prediction: Rams 31 – Jets 24
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
The 3-11 Browns are making a change at QB, as Jameis Winston has been a turnover machine. They will turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson to lead the team against a Bengal team clinging onto very slim playoff hopes. As mentioned, the 6- 8 Bengals are hanging onto slim playoff hopes and must beat the Browns and have a ton of help to get one game closer. The offense, led by QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase has been excellent, but the defense has let them down time and time again, but this week, the offense should win out.
Score Prediction: Bengals 34 – Browns 24
