Tag: AFC standings

CBS Sports predicts Steelers to win 4 out of 6 remaining games in 2024

CBS Sports predicts the Steelers will finish 12-5 after a dramatic six-game stretch, keeping fans hopeful for a strong AFC finish.

After a heartbreaking loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, much of the NFL world seems to have quickly given up belief in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ aspirations for the 2024 season. However, a recent prediction for the Steelers’ remaining six games by CBS Sports offers a glimmer of hope for the Black and Gold.

In an article written by Bryan DeArdo, the CBS Sports author predicts that Pittsburgh will finish the 2024 season with a record of 12-5.

The journey to get there, however, is an up-and-down roller coaster of heartbreak and hope, starting with a two-game winning streak, predicted by DeArdo, in Weeks 13 and 14 against the Bengals and Browns.

DeArdo then predicts the Steelers will lose two games consecutively to the Eagles and Ravens in Weeks 15 and 16.

Just when fans would have given up hope for the Pittsburgh Steelers, CBS Sports predicts the team will defeat the Chiefs and Bengals in Weeks 17 and 18 to finish with an impressive 12-5 record in 2024.

While it’s unlikely the team can win out during this six-game stretch, here’s to remaining hopeful for a potential number one seed atop the AFC conference.

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Lamar Jackson must play with poise vs. Dolphins | NFL week 17

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and OC Todd Monken should use a meticulous offensive attack to neutralize the Dolphins in week 17.

The Baltimore Ravens rank No. 1 in the NFL in rush yards per game. Perhaps, quarterback Lamar Jackson and OC Todd Monken should prioritize the ground attack in week 17?

 
 
 
 
 
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The Miami Dolphins have their eyes glued on a chance to seize the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the Ravens stand in their way. To neutralize the high-powered Dolphins’ pass attack, the Ravens will want to maximize their time of possession by being patient on offense.

The Ravens use a committee that features Jackson, running back Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill to average 159 rush yards per game. However, the Ravens only rushed for 102 yards in week 16.

Their prolific week 16 victory was fueled by forced turnovers and the dominant play of rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers. This week, Flowers will have to deal with the physicality of Dolphins’ cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard. While the Ravens forced five San Francisco 49ers turnovers, they were only able to convert 23 total first-downs.

Under head coach Mike McDaniel, it’s senseless to assume that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will throw four interceptions like Brock Purdy. The Ravens will be tasked with stopping wide receiver Tyreek Hill and the fewer opportunities they give the Dolphins’ offense to operate, the higher chance they’ll have to disrupt their rhythm.

Jackson must be effective on offense by avoiding turnovers and turning red-zone opportunities into touchdowns and not field goals.

Dolphins get some help to take the top spot in the AFC in Week 13

Miami currently has the top seed in the AFC.

The Miami Dolphins entered Week 13 atop the AFC East and in fourth place in the conference with an 8-3 record. Luckily for them, they handled their own business and got some help around the conference.

As of Saturday, the teams ahead of Miami in the playoff picture were the Baltimore Ravens (9-3), Kansas City Chiefs (8-3) and Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) in order from top seed to third seed.

With the Dolphins downing the Washington Commanders 45-15 on Sunday, they moved to 9-3 in a tie atop the conference with the Ravens. Baltimore had a Week 13 bye, so they remained at 9-3, and Miami currently has the tiebreaker.

However, the Chiefs still had to play on Sunday night, and the Jaguars were in action on Monday night.

Kansas City, partially due to some horrendous officiating late in the game, was handed a loss by Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. The result was great for the Dolphins, as a victory for an NFC team does nothing to them, while the Chiefs loss dropped them to 8-4, now behind Miami.

Then, on Monday night, Jacksonville hosted the Cincinnati Bengals, who were playing without Joe Burrow at quarterback. The Jaguars were expected to roll over the Jake Browning-led Bengals, but the teams were tied at the end of four quarters, and Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawerence suffered an injury that knocked him out as well. Cincinnati ended the contest with a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson.

Jacksonville’s loss dropped them to 8-4 as well.

With all of the dust settled following Week 13’s slate of games, the Dolphins are currently the top seed in the AFC, meaning if they win out, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Hard Rock Stadium where Miami has been dominant in head coach Mike McDaniel’s tenure.

In Week 14, the Dolphins face the 4-8 Tennessee Titans with a chance to separate from the Ravens, who play the Los Angeles Rams, at the top of the conference.

Ravens lead all NFL teams in total sacks with 47

The Baltimore Ravens lead the entire NFL in team sacks with 47 on the season.

In an AFC filled with offensive juggernauts, the Baltimore Ravens have contrarily built their core on defensive excellence as the top AFC seed through Week 13.

This is best reflected in the Ravens’ total of 47 sacks, which leads the NFL.

A combination of key signings, like the one-year, $2.5 million contract for outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and the one-year, $1.4 million deal with OLB Kyle Van Noy, is a big part of the defense’s success. Clowney has recorded 7.5 sacks on the season, and Van Noy has recorded six.

Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald knows that when the Ravens are able to gain early leads, he can nullify the opposing rushing attack and wreak havoc in the pass rush. However, when Baltimore falls behind, sacks may lessen as opponents begin to run the ball at a higher rate.

The Ravens offense must help the defense by both winning the time-of-possession battle and avoiding short drives that subject the defense to attrition. 

Ranking No. 21 in passing touchdowns, the Ravens offense has not shown an ability to win games by primarily passing the ball. Because of this, the Ravens need to avoid offensive shootouts and control the game clock so the defense can be fueled in Macdonald’s pass-rush schemes.

 
 
 
 
 
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AFC playoff picture Week 13: Colts are firmly in the mix

Here’s a look at where the Colts stand in the AFC playoff picture entering Week 13.

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves firmly in the mix of the AFC playoff picture entering Week 13 as they’ve enjoyed a three-game winning streak.

They were able to take care of business at home in Week 12, securing a 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7). This marked just the second time this season the Colts earned a home win.

Now, it’s time to take a look at the updated AFC playoff picture entering Week 13:

How far will the Chargers go in the playoffs?

Can the Los Angeles Chargers make some serious noise in the playoffs?

The Chargers are heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Despite facing a multitude of injuries throughout the season, L.A. overcame them by having a robot under center, Brandon Staley turning the defense around in the final quarter of the season, and the special teams being special all year.

Los Angeles got Joey Bosa back last week, and the only missing piece that could potentially be back for the postseason is Rashawn Slater, the young sensational left tackle.

This offense is as good as it’s been all the season, and the defense has been red hot. Couple that with having most of their key players back, and this team could make some serious noise.

What happens if Los Angeles gets the fifth seed and plays the AFC South winner between the Jaguars and Titans? Will they win? After that, a second win? A conference championship? Their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history?

Vote in the poll below.

[crowdsignal poll=11279059]

NFL playoff picture: Chargers now control destiny for 5-seed

The Chargers are in a great spot.

After beating the Rams on Sunday, the Chargers put them in a position to finish no worse than the sixth seed.

But after the Ravens lost to the Steelers on Sunday night, Los Angeles is in the driver’s seat for the fifth seed.

The Bolts can solidify the fifth spot with a win over the Broncos next weekend.

This is the most ideal scenario for L.A.

With the No. 5 seed, the Chargers would play the fourth seed, which will be the AFC South winner between the Titans and the Jaguars.

Should they finish as the sixth seed, Los Angeles would be set to face the third seed, whether that be the Bills, Chiefs, Bengals or Ravens, on the road.

With the defense dominating the last four weeks, Joey Bosa back on the field, and the offense finding its groove, the Bolts are primed to be a dangerous team in postseason play.

AFC West standings, playoff picture after Week 13

A look at the AFC West standings and playoff picture after Week 13.

The Chargers fell to 6-6 after losing to the Raiders on Sunday.

After the loss, how does Los Angeles stack up with the other teams in the AFC West?

Here’s a look at the division standings entering Week 14:

1. Chiefs (9-3)

2. Chargers (6-6)

3. Raiders (5-7)

4. Broncos (3-9)

And, a look at the playoff picture:

1. Bills (9-3)

2. Chiefs (9-3)

3. Ravens (8-4)

4. Titans (7-5)

5. Bengals (8-4)

6. Dolphins (8-4)

7. Jets (7-5)

Chances of making the playoffs: 49%

8. Patriots (6-6)

Chances of making the playoffs: 25%

9. Chargers (6-6)

Chances of making the playoffs: 30%

10. Raiders (5-7)

Chances of making the playoffs: 16%

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Chiefs vs. No. 7 Jets
  • No. 3 Ravens vs. No. 6 Dolphins
  • No. 4 Titans vs. No. 5 Bengals

How to Watch Chiefs vs. Patriots, NFL Week 14 Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Chiefs vs. Patriots Live Online.

A rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game will take center stage in Week 14, as the Kansas City Chiefs head to New England to take on the Patriots. With both teams looking to improve their playoff positioning, the stakes will be high between them again, even if a Super Bowl berth isn’t on the line this time around.

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Chiefs vs. Patriots

  • When: Sunday, December 8
  • Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
  • TV: CBS
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

The Chiefs enter this clash having secured a key division win their last time out. They throttled the Oakland Raiders, 40-9, to give themselves some breathing room atop the AFC West. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense only managed 259 total yards for the game, but their defense forced three turnovers that put the Chiefs in easy scoring positions throughout the game. Against the Patriots, turnovers may not come as easily and Mahomes will need to be much sharper.

New England suffered its second loss of the season last week, falling 28-22 to the Houston Texans. The Patriots allowed DeShaun Watson to throw for three touchdown passes, as the Texans went ahead 28-9 in the game and were able to coast the rest of the way to victory. The Patriots have struggled against Lamar Jackson and Watson this season, both dual-threat quarterbacks, and will need to tighten up their defense against a third mobile quarterback in Mahomes if they want to avoid another defeat.

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