Sizing up race for AFC’s top playoff seed heading into final five weeks of season
One day after the Chiefs’ loss at Green Bay, NFL Network host and sometimes game broadcaster Rich Eisen was unequivocal in his belief in Kansas City.
“I’ll say it one more time: I am not concerned about the Kansas City Chiefs,” Eisen said Monday on his show.
Co-host Chris Brockman was incredulous and immediately asked Eisen to explain himself.
“Something is going on here, which is middle of the season doldrums, which we’re not used to seeing from them,” Eisen said. “Mistakes that can get cleaned up. Let’s just say this: I don’t see (quarterback Patrick) Mahomes disintegrating to the point where he is less than.”
Eisen did express his concern for the Chiefs not being able to overcome small mistakes and the blanket coverage on tight end Travis Kelce.
But Eisen believes even if the Chiefs lose this Sunday to the Bills, they should win their next four games and finish with a 12-5 record.
“Is that good enough to be the (number) one seed? Maybe not,” Eisen said.
He went on to mention the race among the Chiefs, Dolphins, Ravens and Jaguars for that top spot in the AFC playoffs.
Here is a closer look at that pursuit for the No. 1 seed. The percentage chance of being the No. 1 seed is from PlayoffStatus.com, while each team’s strength of schedule has been calculated by Tankathon.com.
Miami Dolphins
Record: 9-3
Ranking in AFC: First
Conference record: 6-2
Chance of being top seed: 31%
Change from last week: Up 19%
Strength of schedule rank: 12th
Opponents: vs. Jets; vs. Cowboys; at Ravens; vs. Bills
Baltimore Ravens
Record: 9-3
Ranking in AFC: Second
Conference record: 6-3
Chance of being top seed: 27%
Change from last week: Up 14%
Strength of schedule rank: 1st
Opponents: Vs. Rams; at Jaguars; at 49ers; vs. Dolphins; vs. Steelers
Chiefs
Record: 8-4
Ranking in AFC: Third
Conference record: 6-1
Chance of being top seed: 29%
Change from last week: Down 22%
Strength of schedule rank: 29th
Opponents: Vs. Bills; at Patriots; vs. Raiders; vs. Bengals; at Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 8-4
Ranking in AFC: Fourth
Conference record: 6-3
Chance of being top seed: 10%
Change from last week: Down 9%
Strength of schedule rank: 27th
Remaining opponents: at Browns; vs. Ravens; at Buccaneers; vs. Panthers; at Titans
