Is There A Changing Of The Guard In The AFC?

Foxborough, MA – November 13: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye talk during warmups. The Patriots defeated the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Globe via Getty Images

As NFL teams brace for the season’s final stretch, let’s take a look at AFC playoff picture and what has stood out in a conference that has produced unpredictable results. All four AFC divisions are led by different teams than in 2024. Some veteran players have thrived in new environments, while younger players are making significant strides in their development.

With plenty of football remaining, definitive judgments cannot yet be made. However, there have been some major surprises in the AFC. Does this suggest a changing of the guard in the conference?

AFC East

In the AFC East, the upstart New England Patriots (9-2) have controlled the division for much of the season. Second year quarterback Drake Maye is an early MVP candidate and Mike Vrabel is in contention for Coach of the Year. The Patriots have been solid on both sides of the ball. According to Pro-Football Reference, their offense ranks seventh in scoring (26.5 pts/g) and eighth in total yards per game (357 yds/g). Defensively, they are the league’s best at stopping the run, rank fifth in points allowed per game (18.7 pts/g), and eighth in yards allowed per game (306 yds/g). Head coach Mike Vrabel does not want the Patriots to become complacent and critiqued his team’s performance in a recent media appearance, stating, “We’re going to learn from winning so we don’t have to learn from losing,” via Patriots.com.

Led by reigning NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills (7-4) continue to be “in the hunt” as super bowl contenders. They have won the division the last five seasons and once again field a top five offense in both scoring (29.2 pts/g) and total yards (387.4 yds/g), according to ESPN.com. They also lead the NFL in rushing (147.6 yds/g). While the Bills are currently trailing in the division, team leader Josh Allen explained the team’s mindset following an early season blowout victory over the New York Jets: “I think the mindset that we have is never get too high, never get too low. Try to find the middle and understand that it’s never as bad as you think, but it’s never as good as you think.”

After a horrendous start, the Miami Dolphins (4-7) have come on strong of late, winning three of their last four games, including a home victory against the Bills. Dynamic wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a season ending knee injury in September and turnovers have plagued the team all year.

The Jets (2-8) are significantly trailing in the division. Controversy arose when owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized quarterback Justin Fields for his poor play, a move seen as inappropriate by many in the league.

AFC North

Under head coach Mike Tomlin’s leadership, the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) lead the division by one game. The team has never finished with a losing record under Tomlin, who is in his 19th season as head coach. This season, the Steelers have beaten the Patriots and Colts, two of the NFL’s best teams. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seen his career revitalized this season, although he recently sustained a wrist injury that threatens his immediate future. Rodgers is reportedly pushing to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, a team he holds a 25-5 record against as a starter while playing for the Green Bay Packers, including a postseason victory in 2011.

After a slow start, the Baltimore Ravens (5-5) have fought their way back in the division, winning their last four games and recently welcoming back former two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens average nearly 30 points per game with Jackson at the helm. In a recent press conference posted on Baltimoreravens.com, when discussing his team’s resiliency this season, head coach John Harbaugh stated, “We put our best group out there and we fight. That’s what we do.”

The Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) won their first two games. However, quarterback Joe Burrow has not played since, and the team has struggled with consistency. Veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco has filled in admirably, but defensive breakdowns have hurt the Bengals. They currently have the league’s worst defense statistically, allowing an average of 33.4 points per game and 418 yards per game.

Defense has not been the main issue for the Cleveland Browns (2-8). They rank second in the league in yards allowed (273.5 yds/g). Their offense, however, is among the NFL’s worst in nearly every statistical category.

AFC South

Surprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts (8-2) have the league’s best offense through the first 10 games, averaging 32.1 points per game and 396.9 yards per game, via ESPN.com. The Colts boast one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks, with running back Jonathan Taylor emerging as a leading MVP candidate, having rushed for 1,129 yards and scored 17 total touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones has also rejuvenated his career and ranks third in passing yards with 2,659. Additionally, their defense is ranked in the top 10 in points allowed (20.6 pts/g). On Colts360, third-year head coach Shane Steichen attributed his team’s performance to “the togetherness of the guys and playing for one another.” He continued, “I think our guys are executing at a high level.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) have experienced a resurgence this season under new head coach Liam Coen. They are a top 10 rushing team and are +8 in the turnover margin, tied for the best mark in the AFC. They are coming off an impressive victory over the Chargers.

Despite winning the division the last two years, the Houston Texans (5-5) started the season slowly. They have since won three of their last four games, with quarterback C.J. Stroud returning to practice this week after missing time due to a concussion. The Texans have the NFL’s top defense, allowing just 16.3 pts and 258.1 yards per game, according to ESPN.com.

In last place, the Tennessee Titans (1-9) fired former head coach Brian Callahan six games into the season, and the team has continued to struggle under interim head coach Mike McCoy. Quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall draft pick, is having a rough rookie year.

AFC West

Considered among the toughest divisions in football, the AFC West fielded three playoff teams last season. So far, the Denver Broncos (9-2) have separated themselves as front runners. Head coach Sean Payton’s development of second-year quarterback Bo Nix is progressing well, with the offense showing improvement. The Broncos’ defensive unit is allowing just 17.5 points and 274.4 yards per game, ranking third in the league in both categories, according to ESPN.com. Special teams has also improved, with kicker Will Lutz drilling a game winning field goal at home against the rival Chiefs last Sunday. In the postgame press conference, Payton commented, “There is a way to win each game and the players deserve a chance to have that.” He reiterated that there is no single path to winning and it can vary from game to game.

The San Diego Chargers (7-4) are 3-0 in the division, with victories over the Broncos, Chiefs, and Steelers. They continue to win despite injuries on the offensive line. Quarterback Justin Herbert has had limited time to throw all season but has kept the Chargers competitive in the division.

For the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), the focus is on meeting challenges from week-to-week, knowing they will likely face their opponents’ best. Statistically, both their offense and defense rank in the top 10 across several categories. Having represented the AFC in the Super Bowl in five of the last six seasons, the Chiefs can never be counted out. Patrick Mahomes remains one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and the team’s five losses were all by a touchdown or less. The Colts will visit Kansas City this weekend in a possible statement game for the both teams.

The Oakland Raiders (2-8) have struggled in head coach Pete Carroll’s first season with the team. Their schedule does not get any easier with five of the remaining seven games against playoff teams from last season.

Stay Tuned

Is there a changing of the guard in the AFC conference? New teams have certainly made their presence known. The AFC’s balance of power may be tilting, but the story is far from finished.