"AFC Playoff Preview: Mile High Hopes & Dreams"

We've reached the most wonderful time of football; as the postseason is
here and ready to run wild. AFC bracket is ready to unveil and will run
through Denver, Colorado. The quest for Super Bowl 60 begins as
teams will start preparing in notions of reaching Santa Clara, California
come February 8th 2026. Who has what it takes to go the distance?
Let's find out!

1. Denver Broncos: 14-3 (AFC West Winner)
Back to back playoff appearances for Denver, as the Broncos secured
home field advantage and first round bye. Second year quarterback Bo
Nix looks to keep Denver on pace and prove he belongs among the
best quarterbacks in football. A solid offense but not enough potency to
strike fear. This team will rely on their defense to create short fields and
turnovers. Sean Payton will seek to capture his second Super Bowl title
and give Denver their third overall. With all the talk surrounding their win
steak, it's a new season and none of that will matter in two weeks.

2. New England Patriots: 14-3 (AFC East Winner)
Winning ways are back in Foxboro, as New England won the AFC East
for the first time since 2019. A home playoff game and excited fans will
be in full force. Second year quarterback Drake Maye has all but
secured the MVP for 2025 after a strong season with big wins over
Buffalo, Baltimore and playing a very easy schedule. Head coach Mike
Vrabel has implemented his version of "The Patriot Way" and this team
bought in. Tough nosed defense, potent offense with two home run
players running the football. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs proving he can
still play a big role in crucial moments. All of this and more will be on
display if New England can kickstart a new dynasty with Maye leading
the way.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 13-4 (AFC South Winner)
The unpopular team nobody expected to win their division, Jacksonville
has one of their more successful seasons since 2017. Finishing with
thirteen wins, this could be a very interesting playoff team. Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence has been lights out since Thanksgiving and winning
very crucial games. A big statement win in Denver propelled the Jags
into unparalleled territory. An offense who can run and receivers who
can be x-factors; but this will come down to their defense. Creating
turnovers and flipping field position. Will the bright lights of postseason
football blind Jacksonville after an elite 2025 season?

4. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-7 (AFC North Winner)
"The standard is the standard." Which is having a streak of non-losing
seasons and winning ugly to end the regular season. Ups, downs,
subliminal dialogue and questionable coaching. Pittsburgh is the lucky
team who ended up winning a bad division which was up for grabs
middle of the season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned back the
hands of time and can still throw a very good moon ball. Behind a
makeshift offensive line, Rodgers still made it work. Running backs
Jaylin Warren and Kenneth Gainwell will have a very heavy role in
controlling the clock versus Houston. If the offense can put points on the
board, it'll come down to their defense. Head coach Mike Tomlin has
faced scrutiny from fans as the days of old schemes are outdated.
Winning the AFC North saved Tomlin's job but an early playoff exit could
force a mutual departure.

5. Houston Texans: 12-5 ( @ Pittsburgh)
A slow start of 3-5 with a makeshift offensive line to protect quarterback
CJ Stroud, Houston finds themselves as the hottest team in football.
Even with injuries to Stroud early on, the Texans won crucial games with
Davis Mills. A nine game winning streak, the number one defense in

points allowed and head coach who is very much prepared for anything,
don't be surprised if Houston forces Pittsburgh to dismantle their
gameplay. The Texans can easily keep Pittsburgh out of field goal rand
and force Aaron Rodgers into uncomfortable situations. This defense is
for real and should be taken seriously.

6. Buffalo Bills: 12-5 ( @ Jacksonville)
A hot start to 2025, followed by some bad losses middle of the season,
Buffalo roams into postseason action with a lot to gain. Reigning MVP
Josh Allen has been good, bad and ugly at times. Comes with the
elements of who he is as a player. Win plenty of games and lose quite a
bit with Allen. Running back James Cook will need to run wild in order to
slow down Jacksonville's defensive front. While the passing game is hit
or miss, Allen will do all he can to keep distance. Far as this defense,
not the most constructive personnel, and this game/playoff run could
determine head coach Sean McDermott's future. With Kansas City,
Baltimore out of the way, Buffalo has zero excuses to not make it to
Santa Clara in February.

7. Los Ángeles Chargers: 11-6 ( @ New England)
A very hot start and slow finish, the Chargers have battled injuries to
both tackles, quarterback Justin Herbert getting banged up and playing
a tough gauntlet in their division. LA's quest for winning their first
postseason game in multiple seasons. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is
seeking his first playoff win since 2013 when he lead the San Francisco
49ers to the NFC title game. It won't be an easy task, as the Chargers
will face a very stingy Patriots defense and fly cross country in eastern
time zone. LA's saving grace: their defense keeping New England at
bay and giving Herbert a chance. It could be an upset but in January,
anything is possible.

Be sure to checkout my NFC Playoff preview as well! Good luck to al
the teams!