The Kansas City Chiefs’ first loss of the season on Nov. 17 has significantly tightened the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. With just a single loss more than the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs now find themselves in a three-way competition for top playoff positioning. Buffalo has the advantage in head-to-head tiebreakers, and both Buffalo and Pittsburgh have relatively easier remaining schedules compared to Kansas City.
The Chiefs’ remaining schedule includes four games against teams with winning records (Steelers, Chargers, Texans, and Broncos), while the Bills and Steelers only face three such opponents each. According to Tankathon, the Bills have the easiest remaining slate with a combined .444 win percentage for their opponents, while the Steelers face the toughest path at .493, and Kansas City’s opponents have a .477 win percentage.
A key matchup could be the Christmas Day game between the Chiefs and Steelers, which could play a pivotal role in deciding the AFC’s top seed and potentially determine who secures the coveted first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
It’s clear that the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed is much more competitive after the Buffalo Bills’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, which not only gave the Bills the head-to-head tiebreaker but also introduced more uncertainty into the playoff picture. While the Chiefs remain favorites to secure the top seed, the dynamics have shifted, making the path to a third straight Super Bowl a bit more challenging.
Now, let’s dive into the power rankings after Week 11 of the NFL season. These rankings reflect the current state of the league, factoring in team performance, injuries, and playoff positioning.
### NFL Power Rankings – After Week 11:
1. **Kansas City Chiefs**
– Despite their loss to Buffalo, the Chiefs are still a force to be reckoned with. Patrick Mahomes continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, and the defense has been solid. The Chiefs will have to navigate a tough stretch, but they’re built for deep playoff runs.
2. **Buffalo Bills**
– Buffalo’s win over the Chiefs gives them the head-to-head tiebreaker, and they’ve looked very strong lately. Josh Allen’s ability to make plays both with his arm and legs gives Buffalo one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, and the defense is holding up well too.
3. **Pittsburgh Steelers**
– The Steelers have quietly been one of the top teams in the AFC, largely due to their defense, which continues to be among the league’s best. The offense has been efficient enough, and a win over Kansas City could set them up well for a run at the No. 1 seed.
4. **Philadelphia Eagles**
– The Eagles remain one of the top teams in the NFC, with Jalen Hurts continuing to play at an MVP level. The defense, led by defensive lineman Fletcher Cox and cornerback Darius Slay, has been tough to crack.
5. **San Francisco 49ers**
– The 49ers’ defense is elite, and with the return of key offensive weapons like Deebo Samuel, they look like one of the most complete teams in the league. The 49ers’ ability to get healthy at the right time could make them the biggest threat in the NFC.
6. **Dallas Cowboys**
– Dak Prescott has been playing at a high level, and the defense is still a force, with Micah Parsons leading the way. The Cowboys remain a top contender in the NFC, but consistency will be key as they approach the playoff stretch.
7. **Baltimore Ravens**
– Lamar Jackson and the Ravens continue to be a dangerous playoff contender. Their defense has been strong, and the offense has been productive. If they can stay healthy, the Ravens will be tough to beat.
8. **Detroit Lions**
– The Lions are surprising a lot of people this season with their offensive explosiveness. Jared Goff has found a rhythm, and the defense has improved. They are making a serious push for a playoff spot.
9. **Miami Dolphins**
– The Dolphins’ high-powered offense, led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, continues to light up the scoreboard. However, questions remain about their defense and whether it can hold up in high-pressure playoff games.
10. **Jacksonville Jaguars**
– Trevor Lawrence has taken a step forward this season, and the Jaguars are finding ways to win close games. They remain in the hunt for an AFC playoff spot and could surprise a few teams
This ranking reflects the current state of the league heading into the final stretch of the regular season. With several teams vying for playoff positioning, these next few weeks will be critical in determining who will emerge as the top contenders for the Super Bowl.
