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It's that time of the year when everyone wants to sneak into the playoffs, even if it be a wild card spot. Playoff places are up for grabs for teams that might not top their division. In the AFC, things are getting pretty tight.
Also read: 2021 NFL Playoff Picture Week 14 - 5 AFC teams battling for wild card spots
The Kansas City Chiefs, the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans are in the lead with nine wins or more, but it is below them that real action is taking place. The AFC North is particularly tight with the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals having identical records.
Coming into Week 16, five teams in the AFC are stuck with an identical 8-6 record, and the coming week is vital in determining who slides and who climbs. Here is a list of all teams battling it out for wild card spots in the AFC.
Wild card spots scenario in the AFC
#1 - Cincinnati Bengals
It was a good week for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did they put themselves more firmly in contention for a wild card spot, but ensured that they can qualify directly from the AFC North as division winners if they win all their remaining games.
But that is easier said than done as they have blown hot and cold all season and their win this week against the Denver Broncos came after two straight losses.
Next up for them are the Baltimore Ravens, who they displaced at the top of the AFC North. Win that game and they will be firmly in control of a direct playoff spot. A loss would put them back in the quicksand of wild card spots.
#2 - Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts had a week to savor. They defeated the New England Patriots, who were the AFC's top seed coming into Week 15. That is now two wins straight on the bounce for the Colts, who can now feel more confident of at least securing a wild card spot.
But they will have their eyes on the top spot in the conference.
After the Tennessee Titans lost this week to slip to a 9-5 record, there is just one game between the AFC South rivals.
Their toughest game, as they look to book at least a wild card spot, is this week against the Arizona Cardinals, who — recent form notwithstanding — remain a formidable opponent.
The Colts round off their season against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Also check out: Complete Monday Night Football Schedule 2021
Wild card spots scenario in the AFC
#3 - Los Angeles Chargers
How pivotal will the Chargers' loss to the Chiefs' this week be in determining wild card spots and division leaders? It seems extremely high because while both came into the game knowing they could take control of the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs decisively did so by beating the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime. That left the Chargers two full games behind the Chiefs in their division.
Also read: Watch: Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes combine for potential division-winning TD vs. Chargers
With just three more weeks to go before we call time on the regular season, the wild card spots seem to be the Chargers' best bet to make the playoffs. But that in itself could be complicated because they need to keep winning consistently, considering how tightly the AFC is bunched together. One loss and they could find themselves slipping out of the AFC wild card spot.
#4 - Buffalo Bills
After two straight losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots in the preceding couple of weeks, the Buffalo Bills were in danger of slipping out of wild card spots altogether if they did not win this week. But their victory over the Carolina Panthers has put them in a position where they can aim to participate in the postseason.
While the New England Patriots' unexpected loss to the Indianapolis Colts now means that there is just one game between the AFC East division rivals, the Buffalo Bills have not been consistent enough this season to make the best use of the opportunity. But as they face the Patriots again this week, a win could go a long way in making the path to the playoffs easier.
#5 - Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are last among wild card spot contenders and must be especially worried about the current slide they are experiencing. Their loss this week to the NFC-leading Green Bay Packers by a solitary point was not the worst result. But what should concern them is that three straight losses have seen them relinquish the top spot in the AFC North.
Their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals is crucial. A win against the Bengals will propel the Ravens back to the top, and they can avoid the hassle of going through the wild card spots. Baltimore will certainly be hoping to do just that and stop the slide so that they can pick up some momentum going into the playoffs.
