ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills have now beaten the Lions and the Chiefs. In watching them, it’s hard to see how they ever lose a game. With two out of their last three games against the Patriots, they could very well be the no.1 seed.
Philadelphia Eagles:
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Eagles, Vikings, and Lions all have two losses. I feel the Eagles are the best of the three at this point.
Detroit Lions:
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Week 18 is going to be a great matchup against the Vikings at home.
Kansas City Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Even though they are ahead by two in the loss column, the Bills could overtake them for the no.1 seed and sole bye in the AFC.
Minnesota Vikings:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 20: Aaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Week 18 is going to be a great matchup against the Lions in Detroit.
Green Bay Packers:
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 09: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers gives assignments during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 9, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
At 10-4, the Packers would be in first place in four divisions in the league.
Baltimore Ravens:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
At 9-5 the Ravens are still only the no.5 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today…but they don’t. They are one game behind the Steelers. By all accounts, everyone feels they are a better team, but as Bill Parcells liked to say, “You are what your record says you are.” It will be interesting to see if the Ravens can overtake the Steelers and break through to win the division.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Ravens may be better, but the Steelers beat them head-to-head and are sitting atop the AFC North. These last three weeks will be intriguing to watch…oh, and HC Mike Tomlin is again over .500.
Los Angeles Rams:
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
You know I love the Rams. I have been their biggest cheerleader all season. They have withstood key injuries but are getting healthy at the right time. They have won seven out of their last nine games and are in first place in the mediocre NFC West.
Tampa Bay Bucs
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
They put up over 35 points against one of the top defenses in the league. Bucky Irving was healthy, Mike Evans is fully healthy and Baker Mayfield is playing elite football. They are in control of the NFC South and control their own destiny.
