Week 17 is without a doubt the most pivotal week for the AFC, as one division still remains up for grabs and multiple teams are on the playoff bubble.
Currently, the AFC South is without a decided champion, as both the Tennessee Titans (10-5) and Indianapolis Colts (10-5) are currently in contention. The Titans currently hold the top-spot, and a win over the lowly Houston Texans (4-11) would give them the division. The Colts, on the other hand, play the even worse-off Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14).
While the battle of the AFC South commences, the Cleveland Browns (10-5), Baltimore Ravens (10-5) and Miami Dolphins (10-5) are all vying for a wild card berth. The AFC North is locked down by the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3), but it is possible that both the Browns and Ravens could make it to the postseason.
The Dolphins likely have the hardest matchup on paper, as they have to travel to Orchard Park, New York to take on the red-hot, AFC East champion Buffalo Bills (12-3). The Bills just came off a blowout win against the New England Patriots and have all the momentum in the world with a lethal offense and a solid defense.
Miami’s coaching is their strongest trait, and I have no doubt that they will put up a fight against Buffalo. The question remains if the Bills will use Week 17 to play spoiler and prevent the Dolphins from advancing to the postseason or rest their starters. Miami has a tough one on deck either way. However, all they need is a win.
The Browns have the second-hardest matchup going into Week 17 amongst these teams against Pittsburgh. Ironically, the Steelers kept the Browns’ playoff hopes alive when they defeated the Colts in Week 16. Now, all Cleveland has to do is beat Pittsburgh and they’ll end the longest active playoff drought (17 years) in the league.
The Ravens also find themselves in a win-and-in situation. They’re heavy favorites against a battered Cincinnati Bengals squad that is without quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Joe Mixon.
Finally, the Titans and Colts are still fighting it out for the AFC South crown, but not directly. Both teams have are heavily favored in their Week 17 matchups. However, due to Tennessee holding the tie-breaker over Indianapolis, the Colts have to count on the Titans losing in order to win the division.
The Titans, in a game they need to win, are coming off of an embarrassing blowout against the Green Bay Packers, so they’ll be eager to get back on the field. They play one of the worst run defenses in the league in the Texans, which bodes well for a big game for RB Derrick Henry. However, the Titans’ pass defense is pretty bad, which matches up poorly against QB Deshaun Watson.
The Colts lost to Jacksonville all the way back in Week 1. Ever since then, however, the Jaguars have yet to win another game and now hold the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Colts will likely win, but the Jaguars might want to play spoiler for their division rival.
With all of that being said, here are my predictions for how the AFC will play out:
AFC South winner: Tennessee Titans
Wild Card #1: Baltimore Ravens
Wild Card #2: Miami Dolphins
Wild Card #3: Indianapolis Colts
I think the Titans will win a close game against the Texans. Really, it’ll be a shootout between Watson and Henry.
I think the Ravens will handle the Bengals without much of an issue and that the Dolphins will pull it out against the Bills. I also predict the Colts to win out over the Jaguars, but I don’t think the Browns will be as lucky.
With all that being said, I pick Cleveland as the odd-man out.
