9. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4, Last Week: 8)
Week 11 Result: Defeated Los Angeles, 24-17
On a messy field in Mexico City, the Chiefs’ offense wasn’t as fluid as it usually is, but they did just enough to get the job done to defeat the Chargers and stay ahead of the Raiders in the AFC West. The Chiefs need to rest up because they get those Raiders in two weeks after their long-awaited bye week.
10. Indianapolis Colts (6-4, Last Week: 12)
Week 11 Result: Defeated Jacksonville, 33-13
Jacoby Brissett returned to the Colts and the offense, not surprisingly, bounced back as the Colts handled the Jaguars and took over first place in the AFC South, thanks to the Texans getting blasted by the Ravens. They even had a pair of running backs, including Jonathan Williams, rush for over 100 yards. The bad news is that they’ll be without Marlon Mack for a while after he suffered a broken hand. The Colts can really take control of the division if they can complete the season sweep of the Texans on Thursday Night Football.
11. Houston Texans (6-4, Last Week: 9)
Week 11 Result: Lost to Baltimore, 41-7
Yikes. That was completely unexpected. This was an extremely hyped-up game all week and the Texans threw up a dud. As a result, Houston lost first place in the AFC South to the Colts, and are now hanging on to the final playoff spot in the AFC. They’ll fight to get back into first place in a huge Thursday Night Football game against those Colts.
12. Oakland Raiders (6-4, Last Week: 14)
Week 11 Result: Defeated Cincinnati, 17-10
Look who has won three straight and is right in the thick of the playoff chase. Yep, the Oakland Raiders. It wasn’t pretty on Sunday, but they got the win over the Bengals and now sit at 6-4. It’s not just the wild card they’re after, Oakland is right in the mix in the AFC West and has a huge trip to Kansas City in two weeks after they visit the Jets next week.
13. Buffalo Bills (7-3, Last Week: 15)
Week 11 Result: Defeated Miami, 37-20
After a snag in Week 10 against the Browns, Buffalo recovered against the Dolphins behind three touchdown passes from Josh Allen. The critics will still point out how none of the Bills’ wins have come against a team with a winning record, though the Titans are close at 5-5. Another losing team comes next week when the 3-7 Broncos visit, but it’s putting Buffalo in a position to make the playoffs. They do have to navigate a stretch of their final five games that includes the Cowboys, Ravens, and Patriots. However, with the Broncos and Jets also remaining and both winnable, Buffalo is still in a pretty good position in the AFC Wild Card.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5, Last Week: 10)
Week 11 Result: Lost to Cleveland, 21-7
Thursday was absolutely a night the Steelers would like to forget. Obviously the headline was the ugly brawl at the end of the game which cost Maurkice Pouncey three games. However, even before that, the Steelers were dropping like flies with injuries and the offense looked completely stonewalled. With what they may be bringing to the table Sunday, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Bengals upset the Steelers. No matter what, we’re looking at an ugly game coming Sunday.
15. Los Angeles Rams (6-4, Last Week: 13)
Week 11 Result: Defeated Chicago, 17-7
The Rams got the win on Sunday night over the Bears but still have major questions about quarterback Jared Goff, who has severely regressed after receiving his big contract extension. Things only get tougher for the Rams, who get a visit from Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 12.
16. Tennessee Titans (5-5, Last Week: 17)
Week 11 Result: Bye
The Titans have found their swagger over the last few weeks with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. For all the bumps they’ve dealt with, Tennessee is still only one game back in the division and wild card races. The get the Jaguars next week and can all but knock them out of the AFC South race.