"The AFC Playoffs Roam Through Chiefs Kingdom"

Here we are folks as the 2024 NFL Playoffs have arrived and today, I'm 
going to preview the AFC bracket to get you ready for an exciting 
postseason. We've seen highs, lows, bad clock management and of 
course "crash outs" from players. All of it's built up for the reigning 
defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
We've got a lot to talk about, let's get this party started.

1 Kansas City Chiefs: Home field and first round bye

 The defending champs reclaimed their dominance in 2024 by going 15- 
2 and securing home field with a road victory over Pittsburgh on 
Christmas Day. In a season where quarterback Patrick Mahomes was 
average and being a Pro Bowl snub, the league's best player is on a 
mission for something greater. Led by the best defense, Kansas City's 
bye is needed to possibly make history of a three-peat. You can say it's 
been overwhelming as they've dominated all year and still have more to 
prove. They'll await their divisional round opponent.

2 Buffalo Bills vs 7 Denver Broncos

Buffalo started the season with some statement games before falling to
Baltimore in a showdown earlier in the season. Quarterback Josh Allen
has been all-world and the potential league MVP. This team can beat
you in many facets rather it's running the ball, airing it out to multiple
receivers, Allen's late game heroics (a la Kansas City). Defensively, they
can get home to the quarterback. With this being the best team in
Allen's tenure, it's their best chance to dethrone Kansas City. Offensive
coordinator Joe Brady has done wonders and could be leaving after this
playoff run to pursue head coaching opportunities.

To the Mile High City, Denver finds itself back in postseason play since
2015; which captured Super Bowl 50. Second year head coach Sean
Payton has turned the Broncos into a pretty good team with rookie
quarterback Bo Nix having a strong first year. At one point, he was in the
conversation for Rookie of The Year. An offense which can score points
in spurts, Denver looks to make it very interesting this weekend in
Buffalo.
A Broncos defense who can flip field position and not afraid of
interceptions will be the ultimate test. Playing against Allen and how well
Buffalo can move the sticks will be a test early on. Keeping the game in
striking distance and eliminating costly turnovers gives Denver a
puncher's chance in a potential upset. It's the one game I'm intrigued by
this weekend.

3 Baltimore Ravens vs 6 Pittsburgh Steelers

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has played lights out once again
and showcasing why he's likely winning his third MVP. A team who
started off slow with bad losses and figuring out running back Derrick
Henry's role. Kicking woes from Justin Tucker raised questions as if his
better days were behind him. Head coach John Harbaugh is one of the
top seven coaches and finds way to keep this team afloat. Risking
fourth down calls to be aggressive can be hit/miss but you play to win.

Even the questions surrounding Jackson's playoff woes, can he get over
the hump and lead Baltimore to the Super Bowl? Great regular season
quarterback without a question. But the mystique surrounding can he
slay the dragon in Kanas City flies over this franchise. Baltimore's
defense is suspect at times in the passing game, but their front is one of
the league's best. With a four game winning streak, and winning the
AFC North division, all eyes are on Lamar Jackson.

To the Pittsburgh Steelers, a mighty fall from the standings after starting
10-3. Securing a playoff berth, keeping the winning season streak alive
for head coach Mike Tomlin, this team waved the white flag. Job wasn't
finished though as they've lost four straight games. Quarterback Russell
Wilson looked pretty good through thirteen games, but has flopped the
final four.
Wide receiver George Pickens' on field behavior has cost Pittsburgh's
ability to move the offense. Bad offensive line play and penalties make
for uncharacteristic football. There's so many flaws with this team, they
can't overcome mental relapses.

Defensively, TJ Watt has done all he can to remain the best at his
position; but untimely secondary penalties nullify a big strip sack.
Pittsburgh forgets how to tackle, play within the scheme, all the
inexcusable mistakes they continue to create. It's an appetite for
disaster as Mike Tomlin looks wide-eyed in situational football. As they
prepare to play their rival Baltimore, don't expect this game to end
without Pickens crashing out with fans or the Ravens secondary.

4 Houston Texans vs 5 Los Angeles Chargers

A team with high expectations in Houston has been met with a lowly
finish into the playoffs. After a sensational rookie year, quarterback CJ
Stroud has suffered the "sophomore slump" and failing to take the leap
in year two. Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are out with
season ending injuries; as Nico Collins has been the bright spot for
Houston. Running back Joe Mixon has been okay, but not as explosive
Houston hoped for. Offensive line play is atrocious and doesn't help
them against Los Angeles.
Defensively, Houston has done all it can but not enough to help the
team. Even with a strong front four, this team can easily be had. You
can't defend them scoring two points against Baltimore on Christmas
Day. A bigger challenge in Stroud elevating his team awaits.

Los Angeles Chargers are back with a vengeance under first year head
coach Jim Harbaugh. Quarterback Justin Herbert looks to lead his team
past a wounded Houston squad with a strong run game and one of the
best offensive lines in football. My only concern: wide receiver Quentin
Johnson's case of the drops. Yes, this will be a big game for him, but
Herbert will need his number one receiver to stay focused. Ladd
McConkee has emerged as Herbert's favorite target. Expect a big game
from McConkee in his first NFL playoff game.
Defensively, a veteran group led by defensive end Joey Bosa and
linebacker Khalil Mack will be out to take Stroud down much as
possible. Mack is an aging player, but still wrecks havoc in getting to the

quarterback. This Chargers secondary flies around, looking for bang-
bang plays. Don't be surprised if they have a couple pick sixes early in

the game. Harbaugh will have his team ready to play regardless of how
many Texans players are out of action.

Be sure to checkout my NFC Playoff Preview as well on The Gryd
webpage! Also, tap into the other articles and other content from our
sensational roster of creators/contributors. We send our deepest
thoughts, prayers to the families, friends and loved ones who are
evacuating Los Angeles due to the wildfires. Please follow local and
state protocols.

Stai tuned.