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Things are getting exciting in the playoff race for AFC teams. There is currently a three-way tie for the top seed between the Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, and the New England Patriots.
That tie doesn't necessarily mean that other dark horse teams can't climb their way to the top at the end of the regular season.
The AFC could see a brand new team at the top given how the rest of the season pans out for all the top five teams battling their way to a first-round bye week.
Here are five AFC playoff teams that can finish as the top seed.
Which AFC team is likely to be the #1 seed in the playoffs?
#5 - Baltimore Ravens - (8-5)
The Baltimore Ravens will have a tough uphill climb if they are to make it to the top seed in the playoffs. Had they not fallen to the Cleveland Browns, they would have been 9-4 with the top AFC teams ready to claim their shot at the top.
Losing Lamar Jackson to an ankle injury is definitely going to hinder their plans, but he seems to be on a "day to day" basis, so there is hope he rebounds fast.
The Ravens have the Packers, Bengals, Rams and Steelers in their final four games of the regular season. It's a tough final four games, and the Ravens are not likely to land the top playoff spot, but crazier things have happened.
#4 - Los Angeles Chargers - (8-5)
The Los Angeles Chargers are a sneaky good team, and they could shock the NFL world by climbing their way up the AFC ranks for a top seed playoff spot. Justin Herbert has once again been playing like his typical self, and that could mean trouble for the rest of the AFC.
The Chargers defense has begun to wake up as well, making this team that much more dangerous. The Chargers' final four games are against the Chiefs, Texans, Broncos, and Raiders.
Ideally, the Chargers want to beat the easier Texans and Raiders to stand a chance at the top AFC spot. Having three divisional games to close out the season isn't going to be easy.
Also check out: Complete Thursday Night Football Schedule 2021
Top 3 AFC teams that can claim the top seed in the playoffs
#3 - Tennesee Titans - (9-4)
The Tennessee Titans are a bit of a long shot at claiming the top seed in the playoffs, but they are one of three AFC teams with nine wins. That bodes well for their chances already.
They will need to play as they have lately in order to help secure their chances at the top seed. The issue is that the Titans can be inconsistent and have dropped important games against lesser opponents.
The Titans' final four games are against the Steelers, 49ers, Dolphins, and Texans. That is not entirely the worst final four-game stretch, but the Steelers, Dolphins, and 49ers are all vying for their own playoff spot, so it might be difficult for the Titans to secure the top seed when all is said and done.
#2 - New England Patriots - (9-4)
The New England Patriots currently hold the #2 seed in the playoffs, and they stand a good chance to claim the top seed, as they have been unstoppable for their last seven games.
Bill Belichick has them playing like the days of old when Tom Brady was still running the show.
The Patriots' final four games are against the Colts, Bills, Jaguars, and Dolphins. The Colts and Bills will play tough, but the Jaguars will likely be a pushover opponent.
The final game of the season against the Dolphins could prove to be one of the most exciting of the season.
#1 - Kansas City Chiefs - (9-4)
The Kansas City Chiefs have the best shot at claiming the #1 seed in the playoff race between all AFC teams. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are playing lights out right now, and the defense has become one of the scarier units in all of football.
The Patriots will test the Chiefs' resolve, but the Chiefs will likely secure the top seed.
Their final four games are against the Chargers, Steelers, Bengals, and Broncos. It's a tough final four games, but the Chiefs have a good shot at being all of these teams with relative ease.
The Chiefs are seemingly meant to be the top playoff AFC team.
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