NFL risers, fallers entering Week 9: Bills, Broncos set AFC standard as Vikings face frauds question

AFC field looks familiar

Five teams that reached last season’s playoffs—Buffalo, New England, Denver, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh—are again in the AFC mix. Kansas City and Cincinnati have joined them, while Houston and Los Angeles have dropped out of contention so far.

The article sees a clear group of teams unlikely to make the postseason, including the New York, Miami, Tennessee, Indianapolis and Los Angeles teams. Cleveland, Las Vegas and Baltimore are identified as the main challengers to the established playoff group.

Challengers face steep obstacles

Cleveland has won close games, but its minus-34 point differential raises questions about its playoff credentials. Las Vegas earned a win over the struggling Jets, though the article says its defense could lead to enough losses to put a quarterback change in play.

Baltimore’s chances have taken a major hit with Lamar Jackson on injured reserve because of a dislocated thumb. The article says the offense has struggled without him, making it difficult for the Ravens to catch Cincinnati or New England in the wild-card race.

Injuries to starting quarterbacks could still alter the standings and create an opening for teams such as Cleveland or Las Vegas. Otherwise, the current seven-team group is expected to spend the remaining regular season competing for playoff position.

Denver gains ground in AFC West

Denver has found success through defense and its running game, despite Bo Nix not playing his best football. The Broncos’ comeback against Kansas City could prove important after avoiding a result that might have left them behind in the AFC West head-to-head race.

With both games against Kansas City complete, Denver faces a manageable schedule through Christmas. Pittsburgh is the only opponent with a winning record in that stretch, and the article says the Broncos could win the division if Nix improves and Kansas City’s receiving group remains thin.

Tampa Bay builds momentum

Tampa Bay beat Atlanta 16-0 on Sunday, earning its third victory in four games. The Buccaneers are a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South and have a 2-0 record within the division. The article points to Tampa Bay’s favorable division situation as a reason its season remains alive despite an 0-4 start.