NFL AFC Playoff Predictions 2019

Are the Patriots done? Our Sports Editor makes his predictions.

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Photo by Alison Mckeough

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Tony Salamah, Sports Editor

Here we are again, with the second part of the NFL playoff predictions. But this time, going for the AFC. Yes, most would say they are the weaker conference, but they still have some teams that can light it up in the playoffs. Nonetheless, things will most definitely get interesting in this conference.

Starting with the AFC East: it was pretty much set in stone that New England would be in the Super Bowl again this year, but right now, it’s not looking too great for them. Currently, they’re sitting at a 2-2 record and the Miami Dolphins are 3-1 right now. I don’t expect that to last though and we will see the Patriots top the division once again.

In the AFC West it’s already pretty apparent that Kansas City is going to run away with that division. As of week 4, no team has been able to keep up with their offensive firepower, with Tyreek Hill on the outside doing work, Travis Kelce being that big target to throw to, and Patrick Mahomes lighting up the league literally like never before. In four games, the man has thrown for 14 touchdowns, and he doesn’t look like he’s going to stop anytime soon.

In the AFC North it’s wide open right now. Everybody thought the Steelers were going to run away with this division but with Le’Veon Bell’s absence from the team due to a contract dispute, their offense has become one dimensional, and their defense is not good enough to compete at all. With all that happening I still expect them to right the ship and find a way to get to the playoffs. They just have too much talent on that team to not get there.

Finally, the AFC South. I think this one is the most simple. The Jags are taking this division this year for the second straight time. Their defense is just too good with the huge names they have, like, Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, AJ Bouye, Myles Jack, and so many other big names. Yes, Blake Bortles at best is a little above average, but he can still get the job done with the help of Leonard Fournette.

Lastly, the two wild card teams. For the AFC, my two wild card teams are the Los Angeles Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams have veteran quarterbacks who have both played in AFC championship games. The Chargers have a great offense with high flying receivers in Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams, and a speedy, elusive running back in Melvin Gordon. And the Ravens have one of the top defenses in the league just like every year, with good players at each level of the field.