Predicting the Second Half of the AFC: Divisional winners and the Super Bowl representative

I am sure this will not be dead-on on how the second half of this season will go, but let’s give it a shot!

AFC West

1) Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes’ health is a huge issue, as is the lack of a running game and the lack of run defense. If Mahomes can play the Chiefs still win this division. The schedule is not difficult and I think the Chiefs do win the AFC West. Final record 11-5

2) Oakland Raiders – The Raiders have a real chance to make the playoffs and the next three games will be huge. They host the Lions, Chargers, and Bengals. I think they win all three. Final record 10-6

3) LA Chargers – Too many injuries and a tough second-half schedule will make it hard on the Chargers. Final record 6-10

4) Denver Broncos – The Broncos will win no more than two games the rest of the season, and they may not win that many. Final record 3-13

AFC East

1) New England Patriots – The Patriots have offensive line issues and the second-half schedule is rough. An undefeated season is out of the question. Final record 13-3

2) Buffalo Bills – The Bills are a very good defensive team and that could be good enough to get them in the playoffs, but if Josh Allen doesn’t take better care of the ball it will be a short visit. Final record 9-7

3) New York Jets – Does it matter? Final record 3-13

4) Miami Dolphins – They are actually getting better. Final record 2-14

AFC North

1) Cleveland Browns – I think the Ravens are better right now, but the Browns schedule is beyond weak, so just like the end of last season they will look better than they really are. Final record 10-6

2) Baltimore Ravens – The best team in this division right now, but it doesn’t take much. They could make a Super Bowl run if Jackson can throw the ball better. Final record 10-6

3) Pittsburgh Steelers – They need a quarterback. Final record 6-10

4) Cincinnati Bengals – What a mess! Final record 1-15

AFC South

1) Indianapolis Colts – Jacoby Brissett is a quality NFL quarterback, but is the defense good enough? Final record 10-6 

2) Houston Texans – Missing J.J. Watt is a killer, but they have a great quarterback in DeShaun Watson. Final record 9-7

3) Jacksonville Jaguars – Could Nick Foles save the day? Will he get a chance to? Final record 8-8

4) Tennessee Titans – Tannehill is unbeaten, but that won’t last. He does give the titans a better chance than Mariota does. Final record 6-10

AFC Wildcard Playoffs

(6) Raiders 27  (3) Colts 24

(5) Ravens 30  (4) Browns 33

AFC Divisional Playoffs

(1) Patriots 34  (6) Raiders 13

(2) Chiefs 38  (4) Browns 24

AFC Championship

(1) Patriots 31  (2) Chiefs 30