Between the two NFL conferences, many view the AFC as the stronger of the two.
The AFC has many of the best young quarterbacks in the league, which is likely a contributing factor to this view.
ESPN recently released the AFC teams with the best chance of making the playoffs this year, according to its research department via Dov Kleiman.
Top 10 AFC teams most likely to make the playoffs according to ESPN Analytics #bosses are the highest with 77%#Steelers are the lowest with 34%
He #patriots, #foals, #titans, #assailants, #Broncos and #texans they are out of the top 10 on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PK0kr40RLY
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 27, 2023
Based on these analyses, the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills have the three highest odds of making the playoffs.
The Chiefs have won their division for seven straight seasons and are close to being successful again this year.
While the Bengals and Bills aren’t necessarily sure to win their respective divisions, their recent playoff success indicates they likely will do it again.
The next three teams, according to ESPN, are the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New York Jets.
The Aaron Rodgers effect is already showing with these ratings, considering the Jets haven’t been to the playoffs in 12 seasons.
Trevor Lawrence is ready to improve again this year, and Lamar Jackson is back with the Ravens, motivated by his new contract.
The next four teams in the standings are the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Chargers and Dolphins have around a 50% chance of making the playoffs, the Browns and Steelers don’t share the same confidence.
As stated above, elite quarterback play has been a major reason for the greater success of AFC teams.
Many of these teams’ playoff opportunities will be dictated by their quarterbacks.
Can everyone deliver?
NEXT:
Malik Willis clarifies his thoughts on the upcoming season
