AFC Playoff Report: State of the Conference

Readers of Pats Pulpit know that we take a look at the divisional foes after each week, in a segment called "AFC East Report". Since the New England Patriots have already clinched the AFC East and a spot in the playoffs, we (i.e. the great Rich Hill) thought it would be a good idea to expand. Therefore, we present you the inaugural AFC Playoff Report.

Beginning with week 16, we will take a look at the AFC playoff picture after every game – and analyze what it means for the seeding as well as the teams involved in the race for the AFC crown.

Seed #1: New England Patriots

Record: 11-3 (1st AFC East)

Week 16: at New York Jets

Streak: 2 Wins

Last 5 Games: 4-1

The Patriots, as we all know, sit atop the AFC entering this week's game against the New York Jets. With a win, they will further strengthen their case for homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
442 (Rk: 1)	Points	280 (Rk: 8)
5357 (Rk: 8)	Yards	4931 (Rk: 17)
12 (Rk: 2)	Turnovers	23 (Rk: 12)

Seed #2: Denver Broncos

Record: 11-3 (1st AFC West)

Week 16 Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals (in Cincinnati)

Streak: 4 wins

Last 5 Games: 4-1

Against Patriots: loss (21-43, in Foxboro)

Storylines

• After back-to-back losses against the Patriots and St. Louis Rams, the team has re-discovered its running game.

• Starting linebacker Danny Trevathan was placed on injured reserve after last week's game in San Diego due to a dislocated knee cap.

• Former Patriot Aqib Talib is second on the team in both interceptions (3) and passes defensed (14).

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
407 (Rk: 5)	Points	303 (Rk: 16)
5610 (Rk: 4)	Yards	4331 (Rk: 4)
15 (Rk: 5)	Turnovers	21 (Rk: 17)

Common Opponents with the Patriots

Denver Broncos	Opponent	New England Patriots
W (31-24)	Indianapolis Colts	W (42-20)
2W (24-17, 29-16)	Kansas City Chiefs	L (14-41)
W (31-17)	New York Jets	W (27-25)
2W (35-21, 22-10)	San Diego Chargers	W (23-14)
W (39-36)	Miami Dolphins	L (20-33), W (41-13)
W (24-17)	Buffalo Bills	W (37-22)

Seed #3: Indianapolis Colts

Record: 10-4 (1st AFC South)

Week 16 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys (in Arlington, TX)

Streak: 4 wins

Last 5 Games: 4-1

Against Patriots: loss (20-42, in Indianapolis)

Storylines

• The Colts pay a visit to the NFC East leading 10-4 Cowboys this week.

• Quarterback Andrew Luck leads the league in the following categories: pass attempts (578), passing yards (4492), passing touchdowns (38), fumbles (12).

• Indianapolis has not yet lost a game against a division opponent this year.

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
424 (Rk: 3)	Points	317 (Rk: 17)
5899 (Rk: 3)	Yards	4914 (Rk: 15)
28 (Rk: 29)	Turnovers	24 (Rk: 7)

Common Opponents with the Patriots

Indianapolis Colts	Opponent	New England Patriots
L (24-31)	Denver Broncos	W (43-21)
W (27-0)	Cincinnati Bengals	W (43-17)

Seed #4: Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 9-4-1 (1st AFC North)

Week 16 Opponent: Denver Broncos (in Cincinnati)

Streak: 1 win

Last 5 Games: 4-1

Against Patriots: loss (17-43, in Foxboro)

Storylines

• Cincinnati welcomes the #2 seeded Denver Broncos in week 16.

• Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has completed all three of his pass attempts this season, throwing one touchdown to quarterback Andy Dalton.

• The Bengals are the only team in the NFL this year to tie a game (37-37 against the Carolina Panthers).

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
311 (Rk: 16)	Points	289 (Rk: 10)
4878 (Rk: 13)	Yards	5018 (Rk: 20)
21 (Rk: 18)	Turnovers	19 (Rk: 21)

Common Opponents with the Patriots

Cincinnati Bengals	Opponent	New England Patriots
L (0-27)	Indianapolis Colts	W (42-20)

Seed #5: Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 9-5 (t-2nd AFC North)

Week 16 Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs (in Pittsburgh)

Streak: 2 wins

Last 5 Games: 3-2

Against Patriots: ---

Storylines

• The Steelers are banged up in the secondary heading into week 16, as both safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor are doubtful to play.

• Wide receiver Antonio Brown leads the league in both receptions (115) and receiving yards (1498). He has also thrown a touchdown.

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
389 (Rk: 6)	Points	339 (Rk: 20)
5949 (Rk: 1)	Yards	4990 (Rk: 19)
18 (Rk: 10)	Turnovers	17 (Rk: 23)

Common Opponents with the Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers	Opponent	New England Patriots
W (51-34)	Indianapolis Colts	W (42-20)
L (13-20)	New York Jets	W (27-25)
W (42-21)	Cincinnati Bengals	W (43-17)

Seed #6: Baltimore Ravens

Record: 9-5 (t-2nd AFC North)

Week 16 Opponent: Houston Texans (in Houston)

Streak: 2 wins

Last 5 Games: 4-1

Against Patriots: ---

Storylines

• The Ravens are one of two teams in the AFC (the other being the Patriots) to be in the top 10 in points per game on both offense and defense.

• Former Patriots' defensive coordinator Dean Pees is now in his third year as the Ravens' defensive coordinator.

Statistical Evaluation

Offense	Category	Defense
376 (Rk: 8)	Points	267 (Rk: 6)
5208 (Rk: 10)	Yards	4819 (Rk: 13)
17 (Rk: 8)	Turnovers	19 (Rk: 21)

Common Opponents with the Patriots

Baltimore Ravens	Opponent	New England Patriots
2L (16-23, 24-27)	Cincinnati Bengals	W (43-17)
L (13-20)	Indianapolis Colts	W (42-20)
W (28-13)	Miami Dolphins	L (20-33), W (41-13)

In the Hunt

#7 seed: Kansas City Chiefs (8-6)

#8 seed: San Diego Chargers (8-6)

#9 seed: Buffalo Bills (8-6)

#10 seed: Houston Texans (7-7)

#11 seed: Miami Dolphins (7-7)

#12 seed: Cleveland Browns (7-7)