NFL Power Rankings Week 13: The AFC Playoff Logjam
By Dean Holden
Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (94) and linebacker Von Miller (58) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
There is no better set of NFL Power Rankings than the playoff bracket, so let’s talk about that first.
Right now in the AFC, the cutoff point for the playoffs is set at 5-6. There are six AFC teams at 5-6, and a couple more at 4-7, which means the AFC playoff race is both extremely tight and embarrassingly bad.
The Dolphins, Chargers, Steelers, Ravens, Titans and Jets share a six-way tie for the second wildcard spot in the AFC. Is there any one of those teams you can guarantee will win two more games this season? At least one of those teams will have to go 4-1 over the last five weeks of the season, or the AFC is most likely looking at an 8-8 playoff team, or worse.
In the NFC, the wildcard race is a little clearer, but there are two divisions (North and East) with two teams tied for the league at 6-5.
Still, there are five weeks to go, and near-infinite possibilities can unfold in the final month of the NFL season. Here’s where things stand right now. Spoiler: There’s a new No. 1 team again.